McGahan’s men hope to extend winning run

MUNSTER will aim to extend their winning start in the Magners League to three games when Tony McGahan’s side host the holders, the Ospreys, at Thomond Park this Saturday night (8pm).
Gritty Munster, boosted by the second half introduction of internationals Ronan O’Gara, Donncha O’Callaghan and Tomas O’Leary, made it back-to-back wins in the league with a precious 16-13 success over Edinburgh at Murrayfield on Friday night.
Coach Tony McGahan said he had been impressed with his side’s mental strength as they maintained their fine start to the competition.
“What pleased me most was to come and win in what is a very difficult environment,” Tony McGahan said.
“We coughed up ten points in the space of a few minutes at the end of the first and then the start of the second half, so to recover from that says a lot of the mentality of this squad.”
Munster’s stand-in captain Denis Leamy added: “We dominated the first half and deserved to be further ahead.
“We didn’t turn our possession into points though, and then Edinburgh came out and scored from the crossfield kick.
“But we rolled up our sleeves and got back into the game and when they (the returning internationals) came on, they helped to revive us a bit in the last quarter.
“The Edinburgh defence was very good and we never really threatened their line, but when we went behind we stepped up again and worked very hard, got back up the pitch and into their faces and got the win.”
Meanwhile, on the club front holders Young Munster set up a mouth-watering Limerick Charity Cup final showdown with Shannon, thanks to their 24-17 semi-final victory over Garryowen at Tom Clifford Park on Saturday.
Former Garryowen player Willie Staunton kicked 14 points with the boot while a Young Munster replacement Matthew Costelloe and impressive number eight Shane Hassett crossed for Munsters’ two tries.
A decision on the date, venue and kick-off time for the decider was due to be made later today.
Young Munster’s Director of Rugby, Mike Prendergast said the victory provided his charges with valuable competitive games ahead of the start of the AIL, as well as an opportunity to retain the Cup.
“The good thing is that we have a Charity Cup final to look forward to and a Munster Senior Cup match with UL-Bohs’ to come and they are sure to be good competitive games. It is a good build-up,” Mike Prendergast said.
“Shannon have been an outstanding club and team for the past 15 years or more.
“They will be quite keen to get back at us because we beat them at the start of the season in the Charity Cup.
“They will have that in the back of their mind.
“They are a quality team with quality players.”

COLM KINSELLA