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'Why would you leave Munster for this?' - Fitzgerald captures Bath misery
Former Ireland wing Luke Fitzgerald posted a particular germane Tweet as Leinster tore apart a hapless Bath side apart at The Rec.
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“Why would you leave Munster for this?” as he watched the Heineken Champions Cup massacre.
Why would you leave Munster for this?
— luke fitzgerald (@lukefitz11) January 22, 2022
Despite a decent start by Bath, the Leinster machine soon overpowered their hosts; the scoreboard rocketing upwards at an alarming rate 20 minutes either side of halftime.
The men in blue had bagged 50 points by the 50th-minute mark and the game was effectively put to bed as a contest. It ended up 64 – 7 to the URC champions.
Fitzgerald, himself a former Leinsterman, was of course referencing the departure of Munster head coach Johann van Graan to Bath next season. The South African is using a clause in his contract to exit Limerick, where his tenure as head coach has more ticked along than caught fire.
Still, his exit ruffled feathers and many want him to depart the province sooner rather than later.
Some pointed to the most obvious answer to Fitzgerald’s rhetorical question.
Money.
Van Graan is likely to have earned a significant increase in his salary. Bath were desperate to get a name in, with the current coaching ticket not doing the business despite a competitive squad, a fix is badly needed.
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— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) January 22, 2022
Backed by multi-millionaire Bruce Craig, it’s a fair bet Van Graan’s bank balance will do well out of the move.
In fairness to Bath fans, a full house turned out for the show, despite the men in blue, black and white winning just one game this season to date. Naturally, patience is running thin.
https://twitter.com/c_pollendine/status/1484905826162724878
Bath rugby. Now I know what it must be like to be an Italian in the 6 nations #BathRugby #ChampionsCup
— Chris Moyse (@ChrisMoyse) January 22, 2022
What on earth has happened to #bathrugby ? Getting absolutely stuffed by Leinster at home. ? #ChampionsCup
— Phil not Bob (@Bob71136804) January 22, 2022
It’s probably worth pointing out that Munster’s current game plan hasn’t exactly been lauded under Van Graan of late. Former Munster flyhalf Ronan O’Gara described the style as boring, Springbok-esque fare.
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“This can’t be what Munster rugby supporters want to see, surely?,” wrote O’Gara after watching his former side edge past Ulster in a dogged 18 – 13 win over Ulster in Thomond Park earlier this month. “I’d understand to a degree if, like the Springboks, this was delivering winning rugby and trophies, but Munster never looked to play the ball into the fifteens at any stage…
“It was like watching rugby from a bygone era… I respect every coaching philosophy and if that is the vision of Munster’s management, you admire it to a point, but it must be pretty restrictive to play that kind of way. Munster’s South African ethos is summed up thus: Maul. Box Kick. Aerial Contest. Play if you win it, defend if you don’t…”
Things can surely only get better for Bath. Surely?
Comments on RugbyPass
Joe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
1 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
9 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
9 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
9 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
9 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
9 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
9 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
9 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
9 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to comments