Loss in Paris leaves Munster on the brink in Europe

Munster’s European destiny is no longer in their own hands following a 37-22 loss to Racing 92 in Paris last weekend.

The defeat all but ends their participation in Europe’s premier rugby competition although if they get a bonus-point win against Ospreys this Sunday at Thomond Park and other results go their way, they can still mathematically reach the knockout stages.

Johann van Graan’s men lead 22-20 heading into the final 10 minutes, but three late Racing tries saw the home side to victory. The defeat leaves Munster, in all likelihood, out of Europe and pinning all their hopes of silverware this season resting on the Pro14.

“It was a phenomenal game of rugby,” said van Graan earlier this week.

The Munster Head Coach added:

“We were in it and very disappointed to not get at least a point out of the game. We are still alive in this competition. It’s out of our hands now.”

“It’s always good to play at Thomond Park. We have incredible support. The amount of Munster people that went to Racing, the people at the airport were all brilliant.”

“Before the Leinster game, we were unbeaten at Thomond Park for two years and are looking forward to playing at home in which will be our last European game there this season.”

Despite the loss and probable European exit, van Graan says that there were plenty of positives in the performance against Racing that Munster can look to going forward.

“I thought it was our best start to a game all season.”

“We were 9-0 up after 17 minutes, put them under huge pressure and unfortunate not to score a try there. A lack of discipline from our side let them back into it. At half-time we were feeling confident leading 16-11.”

“On 60 minutes Chrissy (Farrell) was over the try line and couldn’t get it down and then JK (Jean Kleyn) was literally a few centimetres short. It then became a tactical game and they took it away from us at the death. A lot of positives. The individual performances were really good.”

Munster face an Ospreys side that have had a disaster of a season so far. They are winless in Europe and have only tasted victory on one occasion in the Pro14 this term. They do have some of their Welsh contingent back on the pitch after their World Cup break, namely Alun Wyn Jones and George North and will have taken some confidence from running Saracens close last time out. The game is live on BT Sport from 1pm.