How the Munster players rated in the defeat to Saracens

Sat, 14 Dec, 2019 - 20:20

Sean McCarthy

MIKE HALEY: Made up for a bad error in the opening minutes when letting a ball bounce but made up for it with a try-saving tackle on winger Sean Maitland.

Munster's Mike Haley is tackled by Nick Tompkins. Picture: INPHO/Billy Stickland

Looked far more impressive in attack this week. 8/10.

ANDREW CONWAY: Had to leave the action early and must be a worry with another concussion. Put in a big defensive effort, as did all the Munster players, but didn’t get a chance to show his usual sparkle in attack. 7.

CHRIS FARRELL: Carried well and defended really well. Wasn’t afraid to take down either of the Vunipolas.

Bar one attack didn’t really get much of a chance to show his attacking skill. Was the joint top tackling back along with JJ Hanrahan. 8.

RORY SCANNELL: Pascal Gauzere got in the way of a scoring chance for the Corkman. Scannell carried more than any one of the other backs. 9.

Saracens' Billy Vunipola comes up against Rory Scannell. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

KEITH EARLS: Looked threatening when he carried on eight occasions. Put in a huge defensive effort and his steal at a ruck from Richard Wigglesworth was class. 9.

JJ HANRAHAN: Along with Farrell was the top tackling back for Munster, Missed a crucial penalty from a kickable position. 7.

CONOR MURRAY: An improved performance on the previous weekend. Made two good snipes. Solid defence. 8.

Conor Murray. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

JAMES CRONIN: Earned Munster’s first penalty of the game with a great poach. Was solid in the setpiece but was blamed by Gauzere for one penalty scrum. 8.

NIALL SCANNELL: On the money with his primary jobs in setpiece and hit his man every time in the lineout. Put in 14 tackles which tells its own story. 8.

JOHN RYAN: Is a worry with his calf injury. Was on for 24 minutes and put in some bit hits during that time. 8.

JEAN KLEYN: Matched every ounce of Saracens' physicality with his own. Put in a huge defensive effort and carried with intent. 9.

BILLY HOLLAND: Took up a leadership role when Peter O’Mahony had to cry off. Had the third highest tackle count in the pack. 8.

Saracens' Jamie George is tackled by Billy Holland of Munster. Picture: INPHO/Billy Stickland

TADHG BEIRNE: Looks like his leg injury will see him miss the big games for Ireland and Munster and was enjoying a great outing in the lineout. 8 while he was on.

JACK O’DONOGHUE: A captain of the future, could have folded after conceding two penalties in a row but instead turned the ball over to relieve the pressure on Munster. 9.

CJ STANDER: Played really well but made a big call at the end by going for the line instead of taking a shot at the post. 8.

TOMMY O’DONNELL: Came on for Beirne and carried well. 8.

Subs: Kevin O’Byrne, Liam O’Connor, Chris Cloete and Dan Goggin not on long enough to rate.