2014–15 Munster Rugby season explained

Teamname:2014–15 Munster Rugby season
Ground:Thomond Park
Musgrave Park
Capacity:26,500
8,500
Coach:Anthony Foley
Captain:Peter O'Mahony
League:Pro12
Season:2014–15
Position:2nd (runners-up)
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Prevseason:2013–14
Nextseason:2015–16

The 2014–15 Munster Rugby season was Munster's fourteenth season competing in the Pro12, alongside which they also competed in the new European Rugby Champions Cup. It was Anthony Foley's first season as head coach.[1] [2]

Events

On 27 August a document detailing players individual strengths and weaknesses was leaked.[3] The email intended only for the management team was accidentally sent to every player in the Munster squad. Players were notified within an hour that the email had been sent to them through human error. Anthony Foley speaking on 3 September said that it is unfortunate that the document was leaked saying "It will never, ever happen again.[4] It's unfortunate that it's out in the public domain, something that we do behind closed doors to make us better."[5] [6]

Upgrades to Thomond Park were completed in time for the new season kick off on 5 September against Edinburgh. The creation of a Fan Zone Plaza and introduction of a dedicated Bank of Ireland Family Fun Zone, and face-lift of the Guinness Dug Out bar were among the improvements and changes carried out at the ground.[7] The new Fanzone Plaza was officially opened on 10 October before the match against the Scarlets.[8]

The season kicked off on 5 September against Edinburgh at Thomond Park, a match that Munster lost 13–14.[9] [10] Munster secured their first win of the season, a 21–10 away win against Benetton Treviso on 12 September.[11] The following week on 19 September, Simon Zebo scored a hat-trick of try's against Zebre at Thomond Park as Munser recorded their second win of the season on a 31–5 scoreline.[12] On 27 September, Munster suffered a second defeat at home in three games when the Ospreys won 19–14.[13] On 4 October, Munster beat Leinster in Dublin for the first time since 2008 with a 34–23 win at the Aviva Stadium.[14] First half try's from James Cronin, Robin Copeland, and an interception try from Ian Keatley gave Munster a 28–9 lead at half time.[15] Munster received four yellow cards in the second half.[16] [17]

On 18 October in their first game in the new European Rugby Champions Cup against Sale Sharks, Munster came back from 23–7 down at half-time to win the game 27–26 with a last kick drop-goal from Ian Keatley.[18] [19] On 24 October in their first home game in the European Rugby Champions Cup, Munster defeated Saracens 14–3 to continue their winning start to the European campaign.[20] [21] [22] [23] [24]

On 6 December in their second home game in the European Rugby Champions Cup, Munster lost 16–9 to Clermont Auvergne, with Clermont becoming the first French team to win a European game at Thomond Park.[25] The loss was the third defeat in 53 European games for Munster on their home ground.[26] [27] Eight days later on 14 December, Munster lost the away game against Clermont by 26–19.[28] Ian Keatley's two penalties gave Munster an early lead but two tries from Clermont gave them a 15-6 half-time lead.[29] Clermont scored another try in the second half but Munster gained a losing bonus point with a try from Duncan Casey and a late Ian Keatley penalty.[30]

On 17 January, Munster lost 33–10 to Saracens in their second last game in the pool stage, a defeat that meant that they would not qualify for the quarter-finals, only the second time that has happened in seventeen seasons.[31] [32] Saracens had a 23–3 lead at half-time after a disappointing display from Munster.[33] It is the first time in history that Munster have lost three pool games in succession.[34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39]

In their final pool game of the European Rugby Champions Cup against Sale Sharks on 25 January at Thomond Park, Munster won by 65–10.[40] Munster scored nine tries in total, eight came in a second half during which they scored 52 points without reply. Munster ended the pool stage with three wins from six games, finishing third behind Clermont and Saracens who both made the last eight.[41] [42] [43] [44]

On 16 May, Munster had a bonus-point 50–27 win against the Newport Gwent Dragons, scoring eight tries which booked a home semi-final against the Ospreys in the Pro12 on 23 May.[45] [46] [47] [48] [49]

On 23 May, Munster defeated the Ospreys by 21–18 to reach the 2015 Pro12 Grand Final on 30 May at the Kingspan Stadium.[50] [51] Josh Matavesi looked to have won it for the Ospreys with an injury-time try, but it was ruled out after Rhys Webb had knocked on earlier in the move.[52] The game was Paul O'Connell's last game for Munster at Thomond Park.[53] [54] Munster went on to lose the final to Glasgow on a 31–13 scoreline.[55] [56] [57] [58] [59] [60] [61]

Coaching and management staff 2014–15

PositionNameNationality
Head coachAnthony Foley Ireland
Team managerNiall O'Donovan Ireland
Scrum CoachJerry Flannery Ireland
Backs CoachBrian Walsh Ireland
Assistant coachIan Costello Ireland
Technical AdvisorMick O'Driscoll Ireland
Head of FitnessAdam Trypas Australia
Strength & conditioning coachAidan O'Connell Ireland
Conditioning AssistantWill Douglas
Head of physiotherapyAnthony Coole
PhysiotherapistColm Fuller Ireland
Rehab physiotherapistColm Oakley Ireland
Performance analystGeorge Murray Ireland
Asst. Performance AnalystElliot Corcoran Ireland
Kit managerJack Kiely Ireland
Operations managerBryan Murphy Ireland

Senior Playing Squad 2014–15

Internationally capped players in bold.

Players In

Players Out

2014–15 Pro12

Final

See main article: 2015 Pro12 Grand Final.

FB 15 Felix Jones
RW 14 Keith Earls
OC 13 Andrew Smith
IC 12 Denis Hurley (c)
LW 11
FH 10
SH 9
N8 8 CJ Stander
OF 7
BF 6 Donnacha Ryan
RL 5 Paul O'Connell
LL 4
TP 3
HK 2
LP 1
Replacements:
HK 16
PR 17
PR 18
FL 19
N8 20
SH 21
FH 22
WG 23
Coach:
Anthony Foley
FB 15
RW 14 Tommy Seymour
OC 13 Richie Vernon
IC 12 Peter Horne
LW 11
FH 10
SH 9 Henry Pyrgos
N8 8 Josh Strauss (c)
OF 7 Ryan Wilson
BF 6
RL 5 Jonny Gray
LL 4
TP 3
HK 2
LP 1
Replacements:
HK 16
PR 17
PR 18
LK 19
FL 20
SH 21
FH 22
WG 23
Coach:
Gregor Townsend
Man of the Match:
Leone Nakarawa (Glasgow Warriors)

Touch judges:
Ian Davies (WRU)
Sean Brickell (WRU)
Television match official:
Derek Bevan (WRU)

2014–15 European Rugby Champions Cup

Pool 1

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Munster coach Foley says some 'want to see you fail'. 3 September 2014. Limerick Leader. 4 September 2014.
  2. Web site: United front for Munster after email controversy. 3 September 2014. Irish Independent . 4 September 2014.
  3. Web site: Munster reeling after leaked report. 1 September 2014. Irish Independent. 4 September 2014.
  4. Web site: Strong form the best way for Munster to put report furore to bed . 1 September 2014 . The Score . 4 September 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140904123410/http://www.thescore.ie/munster-rugby-management-report-1648715-Sep2014/ . 4 September 2014 .
  5. Web site: Anthony Foley and Garrett Fitzgerald address Munster leak. 2 September 2014. RTE Sport. 4 September 2014.
  6. Web site: Memo gaffe 'will galvanise' Reds. 3 September 2014. Irish Examiner. 4 September 2014.
  7. Web site: Big Thomond Upgrade Ahead Of Edinburgh. 3 September 2014. Munster Rugby. 4 September 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140904051839/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/18971.php#.VAg3o_RDtc4. 4 September 2014.
  8. Web site: Thomond Set To Entertain. 10 October 2014. Munster Rugby. 10 October 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20141017140321/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/19211.php#.VDexDPRDtc4. 17 October 2014.
  9. Web site: Ticket & Match-Day Info: Munster v Edinburgh. 4 September 2014. Munster Rugby. 5 September 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140906203038/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/18982.php#.VAnDBvRDtc4. 6 September 2014.
  10. Web site: Munster 13-14 Edinburgh. 5 September 2014 . BBC Sport. 10 October 2014.
  11. Web site: Benetton Treviso 10-21 Munster. 12 September 2014 . BBC Sport. 10 October 2014.
  12. Web site: Munster 31-5 Zebre. 19 September 2014 . BBC Sport. 10 October 2014.
  13. Web site: Munster 14-19 Ospreys. 27 September 2014 . BBC Sport. 10 October 2014.
  14. Web site: Munster kick-start Anthony Foley era with derby win against Leinster. 4 October 2014 . BBC Sport. 10 October 2014.
  15. Web site: Munster finally get the better of Leinster in Dublin as they storm to victory in the Aviva. 4 October 2014 . Irish Independent . 10 October 2014.
  16. Web site: As it happened: Leinster v Munster, Guinness Pro12 . 4 October 2014 . The Score . 10 October 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141006082216/http://www.thescore.ie/munster-leinster-pro12-aviva-stadium-1706429-Oct2014/ . 6 October 2014 .
  17. Web site: Leinster 23-34 Munster. 4 October 2014 . BBC Sport. 10 October 2014.
  18. Web site: Sale Sharks 26 Munster 27, European Champions Cup match report: Ian Keatley drop-goal seals dramatic win. 19 October 2014 . Daily Telegraph. 24 October 2014.
  19. Web site: Keatley drop-goal breaks Sale hearts. 19 October 2014 . ESPN. 24 October 2014.
  20. Web site: Munster 14 Saracens 3: Vibrant hosts punish Rhys Gill's indiscipline to edge epic struggle. 24 October 2014 . Daily Telegraph. 29 October 2014.
  21. Web site: European Rugby Champions Cup: Munster beat Saracens. 24 October 2014 . BBC Sport. 29 October 2014.
  22. Web site: Mark McCall stays upbeat after Rhys Gill's rush of blood costs Saracens. 24 October 2014 . Guardian . 29 October 2014.
  23. Web site: As it happened: Munster v Saracens, Champions Cup . 24 October 2014 . The Score . 29 October 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141029023304/http://www.thescore.ie/munster-saracens-champions-cup-1745115-Oct2014/ . 29 October 2014 .
  24. Web site: Munster's muscle machine puts Sarriesto the sword. 24 October 2014 . Irish Examiner. 29 October 2014.
  25. Web site: As it happened: Munster vs Clermont, Champions Cup . 6 December 2014 . The Score . 5 January 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150105151755/http://www.thescore.ie/munster-clermont-1819044-Dec2014/ . 5 January 2015 .
  26. Web site: Munster 9-16 Clermont Auvergne. 6 December 2014. BBC Sport. 5 January 2015.
  27. Web site: Clermont Auvergne prove too physical for struggling Munster. 6 December 2014. Guardian. 5 January 2015.
  28. Web site: Three-try Clermont see off Munster. 14 December 2014. ESPN. 5 January 2015.
  29. Web site: As it happened: Clermont vs Munster, Champions Cup . 14 December 2014 . The Score . 5 January 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150105150933/http://www.thescore.ie/munster-clermont-3-1833809-Dec2014/ . 5 January 2015 .
  30. Web site: Clermont 26-19 Munster. 14 December 2014. BBC Sport. 5 January 2015.
  31. Web site: Saracens 33 Munster 10, match report: Chris Ashton and Vunipola brothers lead rout of Irish province. 17 January 2015. Daily Telegraph. 21 January 2015.
  32. Web site: Saracens' mighty Billy Vunipola sinks Munster in European Champions Cup. 17 January 2015. Guardian. 21 January 2015.
  33. Web site: Saracens 33-10 Munster. 17 January 2015. BBC Sport. 21 January 2015.
  34. Web site: Peter O'Mahony: Munster players have let everyone down. 19 January 2015. Irish Examiner. 21 January 2015.
  35. Web site: Ruthless Saracens eliminate tame Munster. 19 January 2015. Irish Examiner. 21 January 2015.
  36. Web site: Tony Ward: Outfought Munster tight eight let down a proud province. 20 January 2015. Irish Independent. 21 January 2015.
  37. Web site: Vunipola brothers bully error-prone Reds into submission. 19 January 2015. Irish Independent. 21 January 2015.
  38. Web site: As it happened: Saracens v Munster, Champions Cup. 19 January 2015. The 42. 21 January 2015.
  39. Web site: Alan Quinlan: Crushing defeat shows the huge task now facing Munster. 21 January 2015. Irish Times. 21 January 2015.
  40. Web site: Munster thrash Sale: 65-10. 26 January 2015. Irish Exmainer. 27 January 2015.
  41. Web site: Munster 65-10 Sale Sharks. 26 January 2015. BBC Sport. 27 January 2015.
  42. Web site: Munster blow Sale away. 26 January 2015. ESPN. 27 January 2015.
  43. Web site: Munster cut loose in nine-try demolition of Sale in dead rubber encounter. 26 January 2015. Irish Independent. 27 January 2015.
  44. Web site: Munster run riot as they exit stage with nine tries. 26 January 2015. Irish Independent. 27 January 2015.
  45. Web site: Munster cruise to victory over Dragons. 16 May 2015. Irish Examiner. 19 May 2015.
  46. Web site: Munster 50-27 Dragons. 16 May 2015. BBC Sport. 19 May 2015.
  47. Web site: Munster earn home comfort. 16 May 2015. Irish Independent. 19 May 2015.
  48. Web site: Munster on a mission. 19 May 2015. Irish Independent. 19 May 2015.
  49. Web site: 'Now we've got here, it's all about the result' – Foley determined to gain Ospreys revenge. 19 May 2015. The 42. 19 May 2015.
  50. Web site: Munster survive late drama to reach PRO12 final. 23 May 2015. ESPN. 26 May 2015.
  51. Web site: Munster v Ospreys:as it happened . 23 May 2015. The 42. 26 May 2015.
  52. Web site: Munster 21-18 Ospreys. 23 May 2015. BBC Sport. 26 May 2015.
  53. Web site: Munster survive scare to give O'Connell rousing finale. 23 May 2015. Irish Examiner. 26 May 2015.
  54. Web site: Munster 'colossus' Paul O'Connell sets sights on trophy. 23 May 2015. Irish Independent. 26 May 2015.
  55. Web site: Paul O'Connell's emotional farewell as Munster fall short. 30 May 2015. Irish Independent. 3 June 2015.
  56. Web site: Glasgow Warriors 31-13 Munster. 30 May 2015. BBC Sport. 3 June 2015.
  57. Web site: No excuses for outclassed Munster. 30 May 2015. Irish Examiner. 3 June 2015.
  58. Web site: The Final: as it happened . 30 May 2015. The 42. 3 June 2015.
  59. Web site: Tony Ward: Worrying questions for Munster after latest big-day flop. 1 June 2015. Irish Independent. 3 June 2015.
  60. Web site: Rampant Glasgow ruin O'Connell's farewell to take Pro12 title. 1 June 2015. Irish Independent. 3 June 2015.
  61. Web site: As it Happened: Munster 13-31 Glasgow. 1 June 2015. RTE Sport. 3 June 2015.
  62. Web site: Munster Sign Eusebio Guinazu . 1 September 2014 . munsterrugby.ie . 2 September 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140903170050/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/18963.php . 3 September 2014 .
  63. Web site: Contract News . 29 April 2014 . munsterrugby.ie . 29 April 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140430013156/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/18428.php . 30 April 2014 .
  64. Web site: Contract News . 31 March 2014 . munsterrugby.ie . 31 March 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140331191210/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/18211.php . 31 March 2014 .
  65. Web site: Copeland Coup For Munster . 9 December 2013 . munsterrugby.ie . 10 December 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131213102009/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/12617.php . 13 December 2013 .
  66. Web site: Bleyendaal Commits To Munster . 11 May 2014 . munsterrugby.ie . 11 May 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140512213912/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/18506.php . 12 May 2014 .
  67. Web site: Munster Sign Andrew Smith . 1 May 2014 . munsterrugby.ie . 1 May 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140502003621/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/18437.php . 2 May 2014 .
  68. Web site: Coughlan Moving On . 27 May 2014 . munsterrugby.ie . 27 May 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140528032011/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/18595.php . 28 May 2014 .
  69. Web site: James Coughlan to head for France after being released by Munster. 27 May 2014. independent.ie. 27 May 2014.
  70. Web site: Ronan Forced To Retire . 30 April 2014 . munsterrugby.ie . 30 April 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032232/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/18431.php . 2 May 2014 .
  71. Web site: Glasgow sign Downey from Munster . 27 June 2014 . planetrugby.com . 27 June 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140710065743/http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0%2C25883%2C16024_9363344%2C00.html . 10 July 2014 .
  72. Web site: Laulala Move Confirmed . 15 December 2013 . munsterrugby.ie . 16 December 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131216043833/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/12656.php . 16 December 2013 .
  73. Web site: Laulala honour shows Munster new boy size of boots to fill . Irish Examiner . 6 May 2014 . 6 May 2014. O'Brien, Brendan.
  74. Chiefs sign two players . Chiefs . 22 June 2014 . 23 June 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140627002328/http://www.chiefs.co.nz/news/chiefs-sign-two-players.html . 27 June 2014 .

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