United Rugby Championship: Munster coach Johann van Graan says Leinster were ‘too good’ on the day
Munster head coach Johann van Graan claimed that Leinster was the better side after the United Rugby Championship leaders claimed a 34-19 victory over his side on Saturday.
Leinster showed their class and title credentials with a bonus-point victory over their arch-rivals, taking them 10 points clear at the top of the table.
Sublime performance
Wing James Lowe led the Leinster charge, scoring two tries in a spectacular performance from the tournament favourites.
Van Graan admitted that Leinster was the better side on the night and deserved to take the victory.
“A frustrating one, they were too good this evening. Our discipline in the first 20, we didn’t adapt quick enough and gave away six breakdown penalties in the first half. That gave them access, their first try is a direct result of it,” Van Graan said.
“They’re a championship side. We got back ahead, 12-11, after 38 minutes and we give them a 50:22, we get the ball back, our scrum, and they counter ruck and we concede (a penalty) on half time, which was frustrating.
“I felt they took the game away from us between minutes 48 and 60, two very good tries. We came back into it on the 69th minute, 10 points in the game and skewed a lineout. We fought until the end, that wasn’t an issue. I feel we played well, but if you give them access, they punish you.”
Despite claiming an impressive bonus-point victory, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen always looks for areas where his team can improve. Cullen commended the attitudes of his players as central to their success.
“While there was plenty of good stuff in it, there was still plenty of bits we can get better at as well, so that is probably the thing we will go after now,” Cullen said. “The big thing is the attitude of the (Ireland international) guys coming back in here.
“The lads who were here (during the Six Nations window) played seven games in nine weeks, and I thought they worked really well and we’re improving week on week; so it was great having all those international boys come back in.
“That creates competition. They gelled well together but that is on the back of working hard during the week.”
Munster is placed fourth on the table after the defeat and will have to produce good performances against Ulster on April 23 and the reverse fixture against Leinster in the final round to secure a home play-off match.
“Incredibly disappointed to lose at Thomond Park,” Van Graan said. We had a really good week, we prepared well, no excuses from our side. If you’re going to give them access, you’re going to lose. We’re into Europe now which will be different for all 16 teams, the fact that it’s over two legs.
“In the URC the way the games fell tonight, the game between us and Belfast in three weeks’ time will have a massive impact on where we end up in the knockout stage, if we’re good enough to get there.”
READ MORE: Former Ireland flank Stephen Ferris says Ulster yellow card is an ‘absolute joke’
