'Bizarre end to the game': Castres flyhalf's puzzling decision

Munster’s 19-13 win over the visiting Castres side on a weekend where many European games involving French teams were postponed ended in bizarre fashion when Castres flyhalf decided to end it.

Still within touching distance of the home side at six points adrift, Castres had possession around halfway and ball-in-hand to potentially play for the win. Instead, flyhalf Benjamin Urdapilleta decided to hoof the ball into touch from the base of the ruck and secure the loss.

His decision was met with confusion and disbelief, as fans questioned why the side didn’t play for the win.

Castres fly half at the end of that game, what the fuck was that about? Bizarre end to a game that they still had a shot at winning. Anyone else find that very odd? #MUNvCAS #ChampionsCup

— Michael Penhale (@vetenari) December 18, 2021

Castres not firing a shot.

Possession, fine, but didn't even look threatening.

Not remotely so.#MUNvCAS

— The Loose Head (@TheLooseH) December 18, 2021

Not sure there has ever been a player in the history of the Heineken Cup to like a losing bonus point more than Benjamín Urdapilleta 😅#MUNvCAS pic.twitter.com/9hbDc2HfR0

— Stuart McAvoy (@stuart__mcavoy) December 18, 2021

Munster were bang average. Castres settling for a point on the road, probably a fair enough decision considering they played the last 10 minutes a man light due to injury.

Castres no great shakes themselves but I'd say their focus is elsewhere. #MUNvCAS

— Ross Barnett (@rbarnett08) December 18, 2021

What a French end to the match! Kicking it out when you are in possession 🙄. Guaranteed if they were down 20 points in that situation they would have gone all out attack #MUNvCAS #HeinekenChampionsCup #Rugby #munster #SUAF

— David Orde (@David_Orde) December 18, 2021

The match was a forgettable affair as both sides really failed to get going. Munster fans were unhappy with the performance despite being happy with the overall result, but theorised a better opponent may have embarrassed their side.

Munster built a 9-3 lead on the back of three first-half penalties before a try to Jack O’Donoghue opened up the game in Munster’s favour to 16-3. The two sides traded penalties before a late Castres try with four minutes remaining gave the visitors a chance.

But Urdapilleta was happy to take a losing bonus point instead of trying for the win.

This is honestly embarrassing stuff from Munster. Playing a man up against an inferior team with a discipline problem & gifting them a try in the last 5 mins. Hangover rugby #MUNvCAS

— Kate McEvoy (@ImKateMc) December 18, 2021

Bloody hell, Munster were lucky not to be playing a decent team tonight. That was abysmal.#MUNvCAS

— James Lynch (@LynchieSoup) December 18, 2021

Slow, predictable and laborious performance from Munster. Luckily Castres look unfit and unwilling to be arsed. #MUNvCAS

— James (@gortoshay) December 18, 2021