12/21/24
May 25, 2008
Munster take their second European title: Sat. was Heineken Cup final day, with Munster looking for their second title, while Toulouse were hunting for their fourth European Cup. Some called billed it the beast against the beauty but while this game was only occasionally beautiful it was a totally gripping game.
In recent seasons Munster have signed more international players and while these imports didn't manage to score they certainly came close and created some lovely plays. This was a hugely emotional game due to a number of reasons; the main one being that it was Declan Kidney's last game in charge as he is moving to take over the running of Ireland's national side. Leaving the question of where do Munster go from here for another to answer.
The compulsory YouTube highlights and of course the pre-game Gift Grub sketch
Aye, the supporters in Limerick got treated to a three man haka at their celebrations yesterday, that's a sign that we have more southern players than we're used to :) Course it isn't great news for Irish rugby, the big three might manage to gather a couple of quid together, but in comparison to the major English and French clubs they have a miniscule budget.
posted by Fence at 10:16 AM on May 26, 2008
I watched it in an Irish pub in Oxford. There was a hell of a lot more interest in the rugby than the Championship playoff final which immediately preceded it, which was a bit of a surprise to me. I wanted to watch both, and I was pissed off that the pub didn't bother to switch off the jukebox for the footy!
posted by salmacis at 04:32 AM on May 27, 2008
It looks like the Heineken Cup will become the premier league of Rugby Union. The press down here are full of stories about southern hemisphere Union and League players going to seek their fortune in Europe. The salary cap in the NRL means that players like Craig Gower have already switched codes (he's in France), and if rumours are true, he will be followed by quite a few others. The money on offer also will have an effect on the existing Super 14 teams, who are struggling - off the field at least.