Beirne the gold standard as Munster win Croker classic
Not many saw this result coming – least of all Andy Farrell. The Ireland Head Coach is under intense scrutiny for his squad for the Autumn Internationals that includes 21 Leinster players and just 13 from across the other three provinces, with only four from Munster.
The Leinster fallacy is beginning to unravel after years of failing to live up to their potential, delivering just one trophy in the last four years and last lifting the coveted Champions Cup as far back as 2018 – an extremely poor return considering the players, facilities and money at their disposal.
Five Kildare men took to the field, but one stood head and shoulders above the rest in front of over 51,000 at Croke Park.
Not since the Leinster final in 2000 has a Kildare man been so imperious on the hallowed turf of Croke Park. Jack Crowley may have been named the official Man of the Match, but for me Beirne was the only choice.
Delivered a performance that very few players anywhere in the world could hope to emulate once or twice, let alone on the consistent basis that the Eadestown man achieves. Truly a standard-barer in world rugby.
Had a hand in Munster’s first two tries, being held up over the line before taking out Josh Van Der Flier seconds later to allow Brian Gleeson to go over, and the winning the lineout that led to Crowley’s kick over the top for Tom Farrell to go in under the posts.
His work at the breakdown was immense – as it always is - winning four turnovers, including two that were just metres out from Munster’s try line.
Forced off in the 65th minute for a HIA but came back on after the penalty try that saw Munster leave with a stunning bonus-point victory, making one final intervention to block a charging Scott Penny from scoring a try.
After the game, Munster Head Coach Clayton McMillan heaped praise on Beirne, who he described as “the epitome of somebody who’s got a high ceiling.” The captain commended his team, saying “we all stood up and achieved what we set out to do.” He also had a kind word for his new coach, describing the vibe around Munster as “brilliant” and “positive”.
Came on in the 53rd minute with Munster 17 points up and played his part in closing out the game.
Made some good reads, held his own at scrum time, and dished out a few big tackles - one in particular on his opposite number Andrew Porter that might give Andy Farrell pause for thought having omitted the Athy prop from his November squad.
Got arguably the loudest reaction of all 46 players in the pre-match teams announcement, but it was his opposite number and international rival, Jack Crowley, that had the fans on their feet throughout the match.
There’s no doubt the battle between the two young 10s will rage on for years to come, but there was one clear winner on Saturday as the Munster man will surely get the nod against the All Blacks in two weeks in Chicago.
Such an accomplished full back despite his young age of just 23, but found himself on the backfoot more often than not on Saturday.
The Newbridge man will be hoping to occupy the Irish 15 jersey throughout November and showed glimpses of what he can do in attack but was limited to predominantly defensive endeavours.
Unexpectedly thrust onto the Leinster bench just hours before kickoff after Jack Conan and Tommy O’Brien were ruled out. Jordan Larmour was chosen to start on the wing but he was forced off with in the 23rd minute, with the Eadestown utility back coming in.
Was happy to come off his wing as he tried to get involved in the play. He made a good break down the wing early in the second half and showed great determination to get back to his feet and race back into position for the following phase where he got stuck in at the ruck to help Leinster win an attacking penalty.
