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In a fast-paced match that had a little bit of everything, from bone-jarring tackles on the try-line to great open-field moves, inspired mauls and rucks, crafty offloads, even some fisticuffs (!), defending Heineken Cup-holders Munster overpowered a game US side, 46-22. Once again, the Eagles started like a house afire, jumping to a 8-0 lead after 10 minutes. Munster settled down, controlling the ball most of the remainder of the half, excepting a costly turnover inside 5 meters that led to a US breakaway and score; leading 20-15 at half. The second half was dominated by the Irish, who again established control in the scrum, rucked well, and produced one particularly devastating maul. Set pieces were again a problem for the US, particularly lineouts, but overall the Eagles showed improvement, especially in terms of conditioning and kicking. Great moments of US play were often bracketed by lackluster periods, and the Irish professional side made the US pay for every mistake. Munster red was well-represented in the Connecticut stands, indicating a successful follow up to last year's 10-6 Munster victory in Chicago. Unlike last year, which saw a Munster side missing 8 internationals as they prepared for the World Cup, most regulars played, the most notable exception being fly half Ronan O'Gara. The game was a culmination of a Munster good will tour of the New England area, and hopefully Munster enjoyed their stay and will join us again next August.
by and large, language is a tool for concealing the truth-george carlin:
I saw the game on ESPN yesterday afternoon. I thought the Eagles a much improved outfit since the RWC. They had the better of the first half and they should have had a decent lead at half time. It was their own mistakes that kept Munster in touch on the scoreboard. The professionalism of the Irish got them home in the end but USA sure have plenty to be optimistic about.
Crowd looked to be about 8-10,000?
I hope ESPN show more USA Rugby here in future. Maybe you could give us the heads up when the Eagles have matches on TV Thunderchook?
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Crowd looked to be about 8-10,000?
Officially 8,350.. really good for a US Rugby match. There's a new rugby movie coming out soon, "Forever Strong", USA Rugby and World Rugby Shop.com are pushing it like crazy.. let's hope it catches on!
by and large, language is a tool for concealing the truth-george carlin:
I hope ESPN show more USA Rugby here in future. Maybe you could give us the heads up when the Eagles have matches on TV Thunderchook?[/QUOTE]
Shasta, I'll pass along the information as soon as I learn of it. In case I'm gone, incapacitated, or simply have my head inserted in my, uh, backside, http://www.usarugby.org is generally a good source of info for the Eagles.
by and large, language is a tool for concealing the truth-george carlin:
I only got to see a bit of the match unfortunately, but I was impressed with what was on offer. Maybe some of the S14 teams should look at following the Irish lead.
yay Munster.
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TC watched the game. Perhaps a Aussie coach maybe the answer? There was good rugby structure there. Good stuff.
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