European progression hopes dwindle after Saracens defeat

Munster’s 15-6 defeat away to Saracens in the Heineken Champions Cup last weekend leaves Johann van Graan’s side with no choice but to go all guns blazing in their remaining two rounds of pool games if they want to have any chance of progressing into to Europe’s last eight.

The clash at Allianz Park was nothing short of an intensity fuelled battle by the travelling team of European Cup winner’s past, looking to get the better of the defending champions in their own back yard over the festive season.

Among the early setbacks for Munster was the withdrawal of their captain Peter O’Mahony, who pulled up in the warm-up and was replaced by Jack O’ Donoghue.

Both sides put on a defensive masterclass in the first half and entered their respective dressing rooms all square at 3-3. Unfortunately for Munster, it was two of their key men that sustained injuries as result of a titanic battle on the pitch.

Some handbags ensued early in the second-half with both sides getting involved. The result of the brawl was a decision from referee Pascal Gauzère to award Munster with a penalty, however, JJ Hanrahan’s effort drifted just left in the wind and wide.

Saracens were clinical in the closing stages of the game and took their chances when Billy Vunipola took the ball off the back of a five-yard scrum and offloaded to Sean Maitland to score in the right corner. Farrell was unable to land the touchline conversion, but Saracens nudged themselves 8-6 ahead.

Mako Vunipola would add the final nail in Munster’s coffin when the prop scored from close range. Farrell converted to give the English side a nine-point lead with eight minutes to go. Munster put up a valiant fight in the final minutes, but it wasn’t to be in breaking down the wall of black jerseys that laid in front of them. 15-6 the final score and the return trip home was made with empty hands.

Munster can still qualify for the Quarter Final stage and remain in second place of Pool 4 with 11 points while Racing 92 lead the way on 17 points.

Two rounds remain and for Munster, that means a trip away to Paris to face Racing 92, followed by a Limerick welcome to Ospreys, who look likely to have their Welsh Internationals back for selection.

Whatever about getting bonus point victories, van Graan’s side will need two wins from two in January to have any chance of being in the mix come quarter final stage.