Dec 21,2024
Munster interim coach Ian Costello says the result was far more important than the performance, after his side pulled off a dramatic 22-19 win away to Ulster.
A 79th minute try from Tom Farrell - which completed his hat-trick - saw the province snatch a bonus-point victory, which has temporarily brought them all the way up to fifth in the BKT United Rugby Championship table.
While it was a priceless away win, it came after what had been another error-strewn performance, with both sides looking low on confidence before a chaotic final quarter which yielded four tries.
However, Costello said he and his players will soak up a vital win before turning their attention to the performance on Monday.
"It was a very difficult place to come and win, never mind coming out of here with five points," the Munster interim coach said.
"Loads to concern ourselves with around the performance to improve on, but loads to love about the character, the belief in the squad to score some cracking tries. Particularly that one at the end.
"I think we have a long bus trip home, but I don't think I'll look at it [the match] on the bus home to be honest.
"It was about outcome tonight, us versus them. They had injuries, we had injuries, it was always going to be attritional. We're very disappointed with the amount of pressure we put ourselves under.
"An awful lot was down to our execution, or lack of execution around how we came out of our own 22.
"We had some massive defensive sets and then had one or two soft ones that gave them entry again. That's what we have to look at. As the season goes on that will punish us, but we will get the balance with the positives.
"There was some outstanding attacking rugby once we settled into our rhythm, and we'll focus on that and enjoy that for 48 hours and then prepare for a pretty big one next week as well."
Ulster battled for 50 minutes with 14 players after a first half red card for their opening try-scorer Tom O'Toole (above).
The Ireland international was sent off after collapsing his weight onto the standing leg of Alex Nankivell, which saw the Munster centre leave with a hamstring injury.
"Obviously the red card is a big moment in the game," Ulster coach Richie Murphy said.
"It's a tough red because he's square, he's through the gate, he makes contact square on, he's not on the side, but as that guy is knocked backwards, his leg comes out and Tom does fall on his leg.
"So I can kind of understand that, but it is difficult because it is not an illegal act at the start, where he starts."
Farrell scored three tries on the night, while he also turned provider for the other Munster score from Shane Daly.
The centre has been Munster’s standout player since joining from Connacht in the summer, but Costello says his showing in Belfast tonight has been the pick of the bunch.
"I can't stress enough how got Tom has been for us this season. He's played so many minutes.
"We were joking that he's played his quota for last season and we're not even halfway through yet. He's been brilliant on and off the pitch, but tonight was definitely his best on-pitch performance.
"He would have been looking for a rest soon, but Alex [Nankivell] is going to get the next rest. His hamstring isn't great after that clearout, so Tom will go another week and we'll give him a few days off after Christmas then," Costello added.
