Castres Olympique, the only French team engaged in this day of the European Cup reduced due to the Covid, resisted but lost on the field of Munster (19-13).
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It was not the game of the century, far from it. The kind of winter meet where scrums take the place of wide passes. This game of pick-and-go and tactical kicks, Munster loves it and emerged victorious from this clash against Castres (19-13), Saturday, December 18.
More experienced and superior in the physical challenge, the Irish have logically won this meeting. But all is not to be thrown in the delivery of a very revamped CO, rather courageous and rewarded by a defensive bonus. The second in two meetings for the Tarnais.
It’s over at Thomond Park. Our Olympians get the defensive bonus point at the very end of the game and lose 19 to 13 against the @Munsterrugby #MUNvCO pic.twitter.com/aBVfWgfitO
– Castres Olympique (@CastresRugby) December 18, 2021
The mixed team aligned by Pierre-Henry Broncan set the tone: this Champions Cup is probably not the main objective of the Tarnais this season. The veterans Thomas Combezou and Benjamin Urdapilleta were there, as were the youngsters like Simon Beka and Théo Hannoyer. But as against the Harlequins last Sunday (18-20 defeat), Castres displayed positive virtues at Thomond Park.
In the fight, the CO was present and very united in defense. Just like this test saved at the cost of a great debauchery of energy in the second half. The Castres certainly cracked in the second period (trying to O’Donoghue in the 57th), but their aggressiveness made it possible to glean a defensive bonus that could count. There is no doubt that their coach would have signed for this outcome before the meeting.
But against this Munster anything but brilliant and not really quick to rule out the game, Castres could have aimed better. At the end of the match, Kornath’s test even made the Irish (77th) doubtful. The end result remains logical, however, in view of the indiscipline of Castres.
On arrival, the CO was easily satisfied with this defensive bonus, like an Urdapilleta refusing to play the last possession. For Castres, the way to the round of 16 – if they ever take place – will have to go through two victories, against the same Munster at Pierre-Fabre and then with the Harlequins. Not insurmountable, given the results of the first two days.