Munster player ratings: Scrum performance ‘the root cause’ in embarrassing Bulls defeat as experienced playmaker ‘fails’ Loftus test
Munster fly-half JJ Hanrahan (inset) and loosehead prop Jeremy Loughman.
After their 45-14 United Rugby Championship quarter-final defeat against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, here’s how the Munster players performed on Saturday.
Stormers player ratings v Glasgow Warriors
15 Mike Haley: Tried to put the Irish province on the front foot with several attacking runs from the back but made little impact as the Bulls dominated for long periods. Eventually gained 57 metres and delivered an impressive 50/22 kick in the second half but battled on defence as he missed three tackles. 5
14 Andrew Smith: The Bulls had the bulk of the possession which meant he had few attacking opportunities but he eventually gained 35 metres. Also struggled in defence where he missed four tackles. 4
13 Alex Nankivell: One of the few Munster players who impressed, the New Zealander asked several questions of the home side’s defence as he did well with ball in hand for the full 80 minutes. Eventually gained a team-high 59 metres and finished with a match-high 12 defenders beaten and his efforts were rewarded with a well-taken try. 7
12 Seán O’Brien: Made some good attacking runs during the early stages but could not unlock the Bulls defence and made little impact in other areas. 4
11 Shane Daly: Another one who struggled throughout as he was anonymous on attack and defence. 4
10 JJ Hanrahan: Had big boots to fill as he replaced the injured Jack Crowley but, unfortunately, he failed the test at Loftus as he struggled throughout. Hanrahan could not provide an attacking spark, and he also struggled on defence. 4
9 Craig Casey: Although he toiled manfully, the Munster skipper struggled behind a retreating pack which meant his outside backs received scrappy ball. Despite that, Casey did well to rally his troops when the Bulls raced into an early 14-0 lead, and they were soon trailing by just three points with the score 17-14 to the hosts. However, this was a game where he had little influence in the grander scheme of things. 5
The forwards
8 Brian Gleeson: Although he made several attacking forays, he made no real impact with ball in hand as most of his carries were down blind alleys and the Bulls’ defence had little trouble in dealing with him. 4
7 John Hodnett: This will be a match he would want to forget in a hurry as he made little impact on either side of the ball. Replaced by Alex Kendellen early in the second half. 4
6 Jack O’Donoghue: Did well on attack as he took the fight to the Bulls on several occasions with some powerful carries and his efforts were rewarded with Munster’s opening try after 20 minutes. Also did his bit on defence with seven hits before leaving the field due to injury in the 57th minute. 6
5 Evan O’Connell: Was Munster’s standout defender as he finished with a team-high 10 tackles made while also impressing in his primary job in the lineouts. 6
4 Tom Ahern: Not a match the 26-year-old will remember fondly as he only lasted 10 minutes before being forced off due to a head knock with Fineen Wycherley coming on to replace him. N/A
3 Michael Ala’alatoa: It was a tough day at the office for the Samoa international as he spent most of this match on the back foot in the scrums. Conceded some penalties at the set-piece which had catastrophic consequences but did well on defence as he finished with nine tackles made. 3
2 Niall Scannell: Although he was a willing ball carrier, he did not have much influence on proceedings before Diarmuid Barron replaced him late in the first half. 5
1 Jeremy Loughman: The experienced front-row endured a torrid time in the scrums as, like Ala’alatoa, he was back-pedalling in the set-piece for most of this clash. Munster’s poor scrummaging was the root cause of this defeat as it resulted in several penalties against them and the Bulls made full use of those chances. Loughman made little impact in other areas and was replaced by Josh Wycherley after 60 minutes. 3
Replacements: Not much to report here, as just like the starters, Munster’s replacements brought little to the party and failed to trouble their opponents. 4