Leinster 25 V Munster  6   2nd of May 2009

Jerry Flannery  Heineken Cup Semi Final Match report:

Munster Rugby Heineken Journey Ends

What went wrong Jerry?

We just never got going from the kick off. Leinster played great and never let us into the game. They slowed the game down at the breakdown and we could never get our phases going. We then ended up going wide without having pulled in enough players with the result we gave them targets to hit. They started knocking us down and grew in confidence.

How did they slow the Munster ball down so well?

Their big players in particular Jennings, Heaslip, Darcy and O’Driscoll go to the break down and challenged really well for the ball. These guys are class at staying on their feet and contesting the breakdown. They played really well and made it difficult for us. 

Were you surprised at the intensity they started with?

Not really. We knew it was a Heineken Cup Semi final so they it was always going to be a massive game for both sides. The first 20 minutes were always going to be tough.

When did you realise it was not going your way?

Right up to half time we felt we were still making line breaks but not finishing moves off. We made mistakes as phases developed but did not panic and felt we were still in it at half time.

What was said at half time in the Munster changing room?

It was all about the breakdown. We had to contest better at the breakdown and compete better with their back row and midfield. They were winning that battle and we knew we had to do better to keep possession and develop our phases and not go wide too early.

Jerry, are you hurting now ?

Yeah, it’s very tough. We went through this in 2007 after our win in 2006 and did not want to go through it again. You only have so many years as a professional rugby player so you have to be greedy and go out and win things.

When it does not work out its hard to take.

What about the Lions now ?

Jerry Flannery in conversation with USN