Stade Francais 16-15 Munster
Five penalties from Ronan O’Gara were not enough for Munster to overturn European Cup favourites Stade Francais in Lille this afternoon.
However, the real talking point of the match was referee Chris White’s refusal to allow a John O’Neill try after a measured chip into the corner from O’Gara.Linesman Steve Landers ruled that the Munster winger had touched the ball down in touch.O’Neill celebrated, White consulted Landers and a 22 drop-out was awarded.
It proved to be the crucial decision after a spirited and gutsy second half display from Munster, who kept pounding at an equally stubborn defence.
There were simply no gaps in the French defence, however, with the backrows popping up everywhere in midfield restricting Ronan O’Gara to chips over the top and into the corners on almost every attack.
Stade Francais may have been a little disappointed to have ended the first half only seven points ahead after they dominated most of the first 40.In a traditionally French style the played hard-hitting and dominant rugby with Diego Dominguez striking three penalties.
When Myttoncrashed over the line ten minutes before the break, Munster looked ragged and jaded after holding out for so long and were helpless against a well worked try, even if there was a suggestion of a forward pass.
Yet they picked themselves up and rallied into the second half like a team possessed.Solid performances by Mick Galwey in the forwards and indeed the entire backline, forwhom Holland particularly stood out,epitomised the Munster spirit who miss out on European glory by a point for the second year running.
