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Munster player ratings vs Bordeaux | 2025 Investec Champions Cup QF
By Ian Cameron
Munster player ratings: A game too far? After their mighty effort to take down La Rochelle last week, Munster resembled a side running on fumes as UBB tore into them from the off in this strangely docile 47-29 defeat.
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Basic errors, defensive lapses and a malfunctioning lineout that would’ve embarrassed a pub side combined to end their Champions Cup run with a dull, resounding thud. A late fightback put a little respect on the scoreboard but this was one to forget for the Red Army.
Here’s how the Munster players rated:
1. Josh Wycherley – 6
Held his own in the early scrums and carried with purpose, even if he’s not the biggest prop on the paddock. Like the rest of the pack, couldn’t halt the rot once Bordeaux got a sniff.
2. Diarmuid Barron – 3
The lineout didn’t just malfunction – it imploded in a way rarely seen at this level. Barron was at the heart of it and was hooked before halftime. A dire outing.
3. Oli Jager – 5.5
Started brightly but eventually found himself on the wrong side of a surging Bordeaux pack. Couldn’t stem the tide once momentum shifted.
4. Jean Kleyn – 5
Looked like he was running on empty for most of the game and didn’t offer much resistance in the set-piece meltdown. Possibly lucky to avoid a card for a borderline hit.
5. Tadhg Beirne – 6
One of Munster’s better forwards, though that’s a low bar in this outing. Couldn’t stabilise the lineout, which descended into absolute brainrot.
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6. Peter O’Mahony – 5.5
A sorry European farewell for the veteran. Took a few lineouts but will not look back fondly on this one.
7. John Hodnett – 5
Has been excellent all season but was off-colour here. Penalised for playing the ball off his feet in a moment that summed up a frustrating afternoon.
8. Gavin Coombes – 6.5
Burst through early with a barnstorming run that hinted at something better. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. Still made metres when given half a chance.
9. Craig Casey – 5.5
Tidy assist for Nankivell’s try, but a few too many fumbles and misfires overall. Not helped by poor service and fading runners. Bonus points for bravely enduring a two-minute nose strip change with the medics.
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10. Jack Crowley – 5
Struggled to back up last week’s brilliance. Glimpses of improvement in the second half were quickly undone by more handling errors that killed Munster’s momentum. A very mixed bag.
11. Andrew Smith – 7.5
A rough, rough first half trying to contain the dazzling Damian Penaud, but took his solo try brilliantly in the second. He bagged a second just before the full-time whistle to put a bit of respect on the scoreboard.
12. Alex Nankivell – 6
Took his try well and brought some much-needed punch in midfield, but his forward pass before halftime was the kind of error that makes coaches age in dog years. Coughed up another chance later to cap a frustrating afternoon.
13. Tom Farrell – 6
Chased shadows in the first half and found himself part of a backline that dissolved under pressure. Not the worst offender but part of the general crumble.
14. Calvin Nash – 5
Faced an unenviable task marking Bielle-Biarrey and did his best. Couldn’t get into the game with Munster on the back foot and Bielle-Biarrey eventually made him pay.
15. Thaakir Abrahams – 7
Looked genuinely dangerous and was possibly the only Munster back quick enough to live with Bordeaux’s flying threats.
Replacements:
16. Niall Scannell – 3.5
Managed to deliver two errant lineouts of his own as the lineout curse continued. Little improvement on Barron.
17. Mark Donnelly – N/A
Not on long enough to rate.
18. Stephen Archer – 6
Made his 300th Munster appearance, though this won’t go down as one to treasure. A few nice touches.
19. Fineen Wycherley – 6
Steady and error-free in a game already gone.
20. Thomas Ahern – 5
Harshly binned for cynical play and it proved costly as UBB struck soon after.
21. Conor Murray – 7
A sad footnote to a glittering European career. Added some urgency to Munster’s efforts and spearheaded a late and improbable fightback.
22. Sean O’Brien – 6.5
Looked lively and added some thrust when he came on.
23. Alex Kendellen – 2
Came on and was sent off before he’d broken sweat. Reduced Munster to 13 and sealed the deal.
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