When I tell people I'm off to watch a Munster rugby match they respond with, "have fun" or "enjoy". These people have clearly not watched Munster rugby. It is rarely an enjoyable experience.
The match today against Brive was case in point. In the first ten minutes, they were breezing clear and looked certain favourites. There was running rugby and offloading. It was a joy to watch unlike the aerial ping pong that rugby fans have become accustomed to.
Then, Brive gave us a taste of our own medicine. They attacked and scored. It looked like momentum had shifted and the home crowd were getting into the match, along with the 15 men that represented them.
But Munster pushed on. Some moments of magic, the bounce of a ball and some calm decisions resulted in Munster opening up a gap. The substitutions came and subbed players seemed relaxed. Tuitupou was focused on by the camera at one point. He lay on the ground, and gave a smile and a wave to the camera. And why wouldn't he be relaxed. 30 degree heat, sun in the sky and Munster were 19 points clear.
Once again, mistakes rose their ugly heads. An intercept try followed by a run in left just five points in it with minutes to go. Thankfully, Brive knocked on and Munster claimed the win. Some great performances, with occasionally shocking defending.
It is tough to watch Munster. Especially at the moment - a tense game against Leinster followed by this encounter means that my heart and fingernails have taken a battering. Oh well, roll on next game and let the red army march on.
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