Reds suffer power failure as all-star Sarries outfit inflict more semi-final misery
ANOTHER year, another failure.
For the third season in succession, Munster were once again reminded of their limitations when they arrive at the business end of European competition.
The commitment of Johann van Graan’s men for the duration of this brutal European encounter cannot be questioned, but once again the province’s shortcomings were ruthlessly exposed.
This was the province’s seventh successive European semi-final defeat on their record 14th appearance in the competition’s penultimate knockout stage.
The stadium resembled a home match for Munster, with their fans considerably outnumbering Saracens’ supporters among a crowd that barely half-filled the Ricoh.
The Saracens minority immediately had something to cheer about, though, as Farrell kicked his team into a secondminute lead from 35 metres.
A Tyler Bleyendaal penalty drew Munster level seven minutes later, and although jeers accompanied Billy Vunipola’s first touch of the ball, Saracens were quickly into their stride as a second Farrell penalty made it 6-3.
Farrell completed a penalty hat-trick in the 27th minute, but a second Bleyendaal strike quickly cut the gap again to three points.
Saracens continued to dominate in terms of possession and territory, yet too often they were let down by a combination of poor handling and resolute Munster defence that had centre Chris Farrell at its core.
Munster drew level three minutes before the break when Murray landed a penalty from just inside Saracens’ half, before a fourth successful Farrell penalty made it 12-9 at the interval.
Saracens skipper Brad Barritt did not appear for the second period and he was replaced by Nick Tompkins, but the English
champions were not disrupted.
They scored the game’s opening try within three minutes of the restart when Rhodes rounded off a sustained spell of pressure.
Farrell’s conversion opened up a 10-point lead, piling pressure on a Munster side that had defended impressively, but lacked an attacking spark, before his fifth and sixth penalty successes made it 25-9.
Munster had conceded 10 points in four minutes, and they fell further behind as Farrell’s sixth successful penalty surged Saracens on.
But Munster rallied strongly early in the final quarter, setting up camp near Saracens’ line before wing Darren Sweetnam scored a try and substitute JJ Hanrahan kicked the touchline conversion.
Munster, though, could not find a way back, and England No8 Vunipola touched down eight minutes from time, with Farrell’s conversion ending the scoring and sealing an impressive win.
Mark McCall’s side can now look forward to next month’s final against holders Leinster or French heavyweights Toulouse at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.
Munster will be left to rue another failure after failing at this stage in 2017 and 2018.
There will be plenty for Van Graan and his battered squad to ponder in the weeks and months ahead.