Graham Rowntree tells fans to ‘keep the faith’ as Glasgow defeat will not ‘derail’ Munster
Munster head coach Graham Rowntree before the URC semi-final against Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park in Limerick on Saturday. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Munster head coach Graham Rowntree has vowed that Saturday’s shock URC semi-final defeat to Glasgow will not undo the province's strong body of work over the last two years.
On a disastrous day for Irish rugby, Glasgow followed the Bulls’ deserved win over Leinster by ending dreams of an all-Irish final at Thomond Park this weekend.
Ahead of naming his squad on Wednesday for the upcoming two-Test tour to South Africa, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell and his assistant Paul O’Connell were in Limerick on Saturday evening to witness Munster’s season unravel.
While he acknowledged that his players lacked composure at crucial junctures, Rowntree is confident that the disappointing nature of the 17-10 defeat to Glasgow will not ‘derail’ Munster going forward.
“Stick with us, keep the faith,” Rowntree said.
Today's Sports News in 90 Seconds - 17th June
“You know, 23 months ago, we put a new coaching team together, it’s changed how we’re playing the game. Since then we’ve won a trophy, finished top of the league in our second season and a home semi-final. Lost our way in a knockout game through two bounces of the ball.
“There’s a lot there that the fans can see where we’re going. The players are enjoying the brand of rugby, playing a brand of rugby that everyone wants to see.
“We came up short (on Saturday), it’s going to sting. It won’t derail us by any means. The fans will stay with us, I know that. I don’t need to give them a message.”
Munster captain Tadhg Beirne paid tribute to Munster’s departing players.
"It's bitterly disappointing, Joey (Carbery) is in there, (Simon) Zeebs, (RG) Snyman, JOS (Jack O'Sullivan), (Antoine) Frischy, that's a big, big part of our squad,” Beirne said.
"Not just on the field but big lads in the dressing room as well, and not just themselves but their partners as well have a big role to play within the group. They are going to leave a big hole in our group next year. We will certainly miss them all."
Beirne, who is set to be named in the Ireland squad this week, echoed Rowntree’s sentiments about bouncing back next season, as the lock insisted that the future is still bright for Munster.
"Oh, without a doubt. I think we have shown in the last two seasons what we can do and what we are capable of doing, he added.
"I don't think we performed poorly (on Saturday), we weren't clinical. I think at times we played well but definitely, the future is certainly bright. Hopefully we will be able to do it next year."
