AFTER Munster’s Bonus point win in the URC vs Edinburgh we look at the individual performers.
Munster returned to winning ways after Johann van Graan’s side secured the bonus-point against a tough Edinburgh side at a cold and blustery Thomond Park.
Munster were the stronger side throughout this game but Edinburgh did enjoy purple patches throughout which ensured that Mike Blair’s side were in with a chance of snatching victory.
Emiliano Boffelli kept Edinburgh’s Scoreboard ticking over as he kicked most ten points for the Scottish side.
A hattrick of tries from Simon Zebo, one try from Fineen Wycherley and 14 points from the boot of Ben Healy secured the win with the final score being 34-20.
Check out our player ratings below.
Dave Kilcoyne – 8.5
On his 200th cap Kilcoyne put in a vintage performance as he was seen all over the park. The prop put in 14 tackles in his time on the pitch while making 10 meters with only four carries. A wonderful performance to mark a landmark performance.
Diarmuid Barron – 7
Barron was reliable at the lineout where he was needed as Munster were able to build a platform from his accurate throwing. Barron was mostly found on the defensive side of the ball making 12 tackles.
Stephen Archer – 7
A well rounded performance from a player you can guarantee will perform. Archer was all over the pitch making tackles and carrying the ball. He was very reliable in the scrum also.
Jean Kleyn – 8.5
Kleyn put in a monster performance at second-row making a whopping 20 tackles. Kleyn also got onto the ball and carried, one of which set up Munster for a try.
Fineen Wycherley – 8.5
Like his second-row partner, Wycherley really fronted up on the pitch to make up for Munster’s previous loss. He made 13 tackles with four carries, one of which was a try that Wycherley finished off.
Jack O’Donoghue – 9
I know there is serious back row talent in This country right now – but I would love to see Jack O Donoghue rewarded for his season so far with a call up to the Irish squad . Re- watching last weekends game and he was immense again
— Fiona Hayes (@fihayes27) February 22, 2022
Awarded another Player of the Match, O’Donoghue is one of Munster’s most important players. He pushed the team on with a cool head during the game. His playmaking was excellent making seven passes and he also carried for 18 meters. His tackles when Edinburgh were threatening in Munster’s line were exceptional
Chris Cloete – 8
After missing much of the season through injury, Cloete seems to back to his best. His breakdown steals during the game were vital as Munster were able to relieve pressure and have an attacking platform. He also completed eleven tackles.
Gavin Coombes – 8.5
A perennial star player at the No.8 spot. Like O’Donoghue, Coombes made his presence felt as he recorded 19 tackle. His seven passes helped keep the play moving especially near the end of the game, and he also carried for 14 meters.
Craig Casey – 8
Casey seems to be an excellent successor to Conor Murray as the tempo he brings unsettles teams. With quick ball he was pushing the pace and did not allow the defence to get set.
Ben Healy – 9
Healy put in one his best performances in Munster red. His kicking was phenomenal scoring 14 points from the boot. The difficulty of the kicks were incredible and it proves the resolve the young fly-half has. Healy also made 24 meters off of five carries, this was also coupled with his 11 tackles. A truly brilliant performance.
Simon Zebo – 9
Not too involved in the game for large parts but Zebos finishing can never be put in doubt. With four carries and 43 meters Zebo finished off three brilliant tries recording himself a hat-trick.
Dan Goggin – 8
Goggin put in a classic centre performance with an excellent mix of attack and defence. Recording 13 tackles in the game and with a couple of slick passes Goggin was threatening on both sides of the field.
Chris Farrell – 8.5
Farrell back in the centre for Munster really helps make the midfield tick. His physical presence alone is enough to discourage runners down the outside centre channel. Making a massive 32 meters off of five carries typifies his carrying prowess. He also managed eight tackles on the field.
Calvin Nash – 8
Like the rest of the Munster backline Nash was a constant threat as he broke the line twice for a total of 24 meters from only four carries. He also protected his wing excellently from kicks.
Mike Haley – 8
Haley is probably the most reliable player in Munster’s backfield, His defence of the back field is exceptional as Edinburgh found it difficult to get any platform. His attacking threat is incredible also as he made 46 meters off of four carries.
Some great play through the hands sees Zebo go over for his second try of the night
#MUNvEDI #SUAF
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 18, 2022
Replacements
Niall Scannell – 8
Scannell who is used to starting, came off the bench and put in an excellent performance getting himself all over the park in just 25 minutes. His lineout throwing was accurate and his tackling was exceptional with 12 recorded.
Jeremy Loughman – 6.5
Although a good performance, Loughman just didn’t get too involved in the game. He recorded four tackles and only one carry
John Ryan – 6.5
Like Loughman Ryan didn’t have the most eventful game, he did record seven tackles in his time on the pitch though.
Alex Kendellen – 6.5
Kendellen got two carries for 10 meters in only 10 minutes on the field. A good sign for future performances.
John Hodnett – 7.5
Hodnett made a big impact as he came on and immediately tried to affect the game. Recording 10 tackles and getting on the ball four times for a total of 10 meters. Hodnett with more time on the field could be a real assets to Munster.
Neil Cronin – N/A
Jack Crowley – N/A
Shane Daly – N/A
The post Player Ratings | O’Donoghue, Healy & Zeo standout as Munster get back to winning ways in Thomond appeared first on Sporting Limerick.
