Munster Team Talk Thread - Beirne After Reading

Physically he is something Ireland have never had before. I don't think locking in someone of his capability is premature

Joe Mc would be a good comparison also

Debut in 22, played AI & 6nations along with CC final for zeinster in 24.

He got a CC in 25

Did ROC cover it when Woody left it, he did in his hole because it didn't matter, now he's making it out to be newsworthy. He doesn't even name them and I bet he doesn't know who else is on the group.

The only interest he has in MR is clicks for his articles and his fan base will give him loads of those.

Calvin Nash signs on for two more years

I've stopped listening a long time ago. I also try my very best to avoid The D'Orce column, but it's really hard to miss! They are half a page, a big photo and cringe-worthy quote in bold!

The more pertinent question is not what happens next, but how Munster got here. It is worth pausing on that ownership model, because it matters.😔

or the week before

Confidence represents a fuel source for the individual and the team, one that drives success in all its forms, whether it is accomplished performances or the ultimate collective goal, winning trophies.

Tomorrows column will have a tonne of little business 'self-help' snippets crow-barred in all over the page.

Give me Zebo any day over him. And Zebo can be hard on my ears!

As ever I recommend Kinsella in The42.

Rugby:

https://www.the42.ie/munster-benetton-analysis-7018416-Apr2026/

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But Crowley slows his feet and reaches out towards the ball, getting his hands on it as early as possible, then smoothly gets it across his body to beat Menoncello’s linespeed.

With Benetton right wing Louis Lynagh having set up close to the lineout for what he presumes will be an exit play, likely requiring a kick chase from him, there is no one sweeping in the backfield.

That means that Munster centre Alex Nankivell has a clear 3-on-2 on the edge that is a genuine try-scoring chance.

And Nankivell exploits it perfectly, dummying a short pass to Tom Farrell that further lures Benetton fullback Matt Gallagher upfield.

There is space for Nash but it still takes speed and poise to finish. Benetton out-half Jacob Umaga is chasing across but Nash gets airborne before he can make contact and finishes beyond Umaga.

It’s a ruthless score for Munster in the seventh minute off a Benetton error.

After their terrible first half against Exeter, it’s just the start Munster wanted. And then they did something that has been a struggle for them in recent months.

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Despite Umaga looking to fill the passing channel, Crowley backs himself to get the ball across him to Nankivell.

The Munster out-half doesn’t take any forward steps this time, simply standing and ripping his pass with as much velocity as he can generate.

Crowley’s pass beats Umaga and gives Nankivell time and space.

The Munster centre takes full advantage again as he fends his way past exposed Benetton second row Federico Ruzza, draws up Gallagher, and frees Farrell.

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Benetton did still manage eight linebreaks but defence coach Denis Leamy surely enjoyed the intent and physicality he saw at other stages, with Munster landing plenty of dominant tackles and winning five breakdown turnovers.

In this instance, blindside flanker Tom Ahern pounces on the dislodged ball and we get a sense of the freedom Munster are playing with at this stage of the game.

There’s knock-on advantage in play, of course, but it’s a lovely bit of skill from Ahern as he scoops up the ball and flings it straight out the back with his right hand, finding Coombes.

Coombes passes to Nankivell, who lights up once again.

As well as making the dancing break through a bunch of Benetton forwards, Nankivell has the acceleration to go clear, then the strength to stay on his feet as he meets contact on the 22-metre line.

That allows Ahern, Coombes, and Lee Barron time to get to him and clearout, with Casey then finding Nash in plenty of space close to the touchline for further gains.

Coombes shows his handling skill with a deft tip-in pass on the next phase.

Once again, the Munster pass beats an onrushing Benetton defender and allows them to continue playing on top of the defence.

The returning Oli Jager is next onto the ball and plays a smooth sweep pass out the back for Crowley, whose own catch-pass is rapid again.

Nankivell decides not to move the ball wide, ducking back in to carry.

But Munster strike the killer blow on the next phase.

It’s captain Tadhg Beirne who connects with Casey for a nice finish.

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Munster certainly still have plenty of hard work to do in the coming weeks and the real job is to build on this win, finally delivering far more consistency in a season that has lacked it.

But after a tumultuous few weeks for the province, Saturday night in Treviso must have felt good.