April
22nd 2017
European
Championship Semi-Final
Munster vs Saracens at
the AVIVA stadium Dublin
The
potential for an European classic match is obvious, and often we are left
disappointed but such is the form of both these sides the likelihood of this
being a game to live up to the occasion is excellent.
As
current European champions, Saracens will be arriving at the AVIVA stadium
bristling with confidence and determined to defend their title. Against them
stands the proud province of Munster, with its celebrated ‘Red Army’ of
supporters, equally determined to deny them victory.
Galvanised
by the sudden sad death of their coach Alex Foley Munster have had a
magnificent season and play with passion and precision under the tutelage of 'Rassie'
Erasmus the side’s Director of Rugby. He has produced a team capable of
upsetting the Saracens. Munster couple a never say die attitude with the
ability to mix their game up between the forwards and backs, grunting up the
middle and throwing it wide when needed. Their driving maul to the purist is a
thing of beauty, and Saracens will have to maintain their discipline. In Simon
Zebo and CJ Stander they have players that when on song can change a game in an
instant, and they are both enjoying a run of good form at present. But, the
likely absence of Scrum Half Murray will hurt them and although Saracens have
constantly said that they expect him to play Munster have prepared all week
without him. Peter O’Mahony will lead his team and pack with his customary
ferocity and his line out duel with Kruis and Itoje could well settle the game.
His performance against Itoje in the 6 Nations will fill him with confidence.
On
song as the Saracens were against the Glasgow Warriors they can be irresistible
playing with a relentless verve that most sides struggle to live with never
mind contain. With 6 British and Irish Lions in the side they will be brimming
with confidence. The Vunipola brothers and Jamie George means that the defence
of Munster will be sorely tested and out wide the likes of Ashton and Maitland
running their usual sweet lines of support requires the Munster back row to be
everywhere because the attacks will keep coming. If that was not enough, the
Munster team will have to think about how to contain Farrell and Wrigglesworth who
are two of the best game managers currently playing and they will do their best
to boss the Munster team around.
It
will be a close game and the side that not only takes their opportunities but
holds their nerve will emerge victorious. There is a good chance that it will
come down to goal-kicking and it is here through the imperious Farrell that
Saracens possess the crucial difference.
Prediction
The
heart would love Munster to win, they have been to a dark place this season,
and have responded magnificently, but the head says that the Saracens will win
by 3-6 points.
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