
Rugby
Share
Published 12:47 13 Jan 2019 GMT
Updated 12:51 13 Jan 2019 GMT
Explore more on these topics:
'The home side were slightly weakened by injury and their coach, Johan Ackermann, with his available players looking increasingly battered, would love to have had the same freedom to rest players as Munster did last weekend.'Now Kitson is a fine rugby writer and Irish fans were enamoured with him when he talked us up as potential World Cup 2023 hosts (sorry for the reminder), but he is off the mark here.
Gloucester started 10 players against Munster that began the following weekend's Premiership victory over Leicester Tigers. Danny Cipriani and Ollie Thorley did not feature in the league game at all while Henry Walker (15 minutes), Ed Slater (13) and Lewis Ludlow (22) came on as subs at Welford Road. 19 of their squad featured in both matchday 23s.
Munster started with nine of the XV that began their 31-24 Guinness PRO14 victory over Connacht on January 5. Dave Kilcoyne (20 minutes), Stephen Archer (40), CJ Stander (29) and Conor Murray (30), who all started against Gloucester, were on the bench against Connacht.
Only Mike Haley, who has played 14 times this season, Rory Scannell (15) and Rhys Marshall (6) were spared game-time in Galway last weekend. Marshall is just returning from three months on the sideline with a hamstring injury. 20 of Munster's European squad saw action at The Sportsground.
Champions Cup squad had played against Connacht six days previous AND they were the away side for both matches, meaning less chance to rest and recuperate.
By why let the facts get in the way of a good moan?Prendergast admits huge disappointment at Munster situation
Not ideal. It’s worrying times for Munster rugby at the moment, with problems on and off the field. After being knocked out of both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, controversy then surrounded the appointment of Roger Randle for next season, due to historic rape accusations. The New Zealander is coming in to replace senior […]
Rugby
15h
Kerry legend slams players for reaction to Michael Murphy punch
Not under his watch! Although the dust has pretty much settled after the Michael Murphy incident during Donegal’s NFL Division 1 final win over Kerry last month, one Kingdom legend is still not pleased with what went on. Most of the criticism was levelled at Murphy for his clear-as-day punch on Dylan Casey, as well […]
Rugby
17h
Rugby
The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 134
Rugby