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06 Sept 2025

Munster Rugby left to rue inaccuracy as Leinster claim URC bragging rights

Munster suffered fifth URC defeat of the season as Leinster record 28-7 victory at Thomond Park

Munster Rugby left to rue inaccuracy as Leinster claim URC bragging rights

Munster Rugby captain Tadhg Beirne pictured after Friday night's URC defeat to Leinster at Thomond Park | PICTURE: Sportsfile

Reporter:

Colm Kinsella, Sports Editor, Thomond Park

28 Dec 2024 11:30 AM

Email:

ckinsella@limerickleader.ie

INTERIM Munster Rugby head coach Ian Costello was disappointed that 'the game got away' on his side in Friday night's URC interprovincial derby defeat to Leinster at a sold-out Thomond Park.

An attendance of 26,267 generated a terrific atmosphere at the Limerick venue. However, it was URC leaders Leinster who emerged with the win, picking up five match points in their convincing 28-7 bonus point success.

The defeat was Munster's fifth in nine URC fixtures this season. Next up for the province is a crucial Saturday, January 11 Investec Champions Cup clash with Saracens at Thomond Park, 5.30pm.

Costello said that Leinster had punished inaccuracy in Munster's play on Friday night.

Ian Costello said: "In terms of the effort and some of the aspects of our performance were really strong. It's disappointing that the game got away on us but when you play a side like Leinster, of that quality, that's what happens if you're inaccurate in any areas. 
"They had five chances five metres out from the line, they took four. We had four quick taps and a five-metre lineout and converted one. And our scrum was under pressure as well. If you're off in any area against Leinster, unfortunately you can be on the end of a scoreline like that.
"But it's pretty frustrating based on some of the positive elements of our performance, unfortunately."
Munster battled back with a try from Tom Ahern shortly after half-time, converted by Billy Burns, to trail by seven points, 7-14. However, the concession of a third try to Leinster, to flanker Josh van der Flier, nine minutes later, swung the contest in the visitors favour.
Costello agreed that the visitors' third try had been a key moment in the derby clash.
 
He said: "Yeah, it was because I felt we counter-rucked it and had gotten the ball back. So there's a bit of confusion around that, it was a big swing. To be fair to them, they brought a lot of power off the bench in the last 20 minutes, they were very, very strong, very impressive."
"We counter-rucked, new offside line, my understanding is you can't pick the ball up and score, you know. Anyway, that's just a moment or two in the game."
Asked if he could take any positives from the defeat, Costello said: "Last week (v Ulster), our ball retention was poor and some areas of our attack that are usually strong were off. I know we got four really good tries but we had 30% possession. It was closer to 50% tonight and still made errors but I thought our intent was good.
"You would have seen that we looked to kick early and we looked to turn them, get the crowd into the game. We put a lot of emphasis on our kick chase and got some great return out of that.
"Unlucky that one kick went dead but we had a particular change-up to the way we were playing and I suppose as positive as that was, if we don't convert when we get within five metres of the line against a side like Leinster, then they convert when they're five metres out, that can be immaterial."

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