How to stop lethal Zebo and avoid a ‘Munstering’

Munster’s supreme defence may grab the headlines, but amid all of these abrasive qualities, Munster’s attack is perhaps underrated.

Simon Zebo has a free remit at full-back and his try against Leicester in the pool stage at Thomond Park is a fine example of this fluid role. After starting the 18-phase attack by running back a 22 drop-out, Zebo featured twice at first receiver on the left-hand side of the pitch. When Munster made their way into the Leicester 22, they adopted a narrower shape.

The forwards took hold, with C J Stander and props David Kilcoyne and John Ryan conducting a series of pick-and-gos. This brought Munster to around seven metres out from the try-line, just beyond the right-hand post.

Zebo was nestled in behind the

ruck, slightly towards the blindside, as Conor Murray bent to pick up the ball. Outside Murray – who is injured today – centre Jaco Taute and hooker Niall Scannell charged back against the grain towards gaps in the Leicester line.

From picture one above, we can assess how Leicester could defend this situation. As the guard defender closest to the ruck, Lachlan McCaffrey should stay put and watch Murray’s inside. Ellis Genge has the responsibility of jamming in to tackle Murray.

That means Owen Williams needs to react in the same way, closing up to take Taute, with Adam Thompstone angling in on Scannell (pic two).

As it happens, a fatigued defence falls apart. Murray edges to the openside of the breakdown, slightly dragging McCaffrey – who cannot see Zebo’s run – with him (pic three).

Murray delivers a flick pass, with Genge committed to the tackle on Taute. McCaffrey is isolated and, after following Murray, cannot readjust in time to stop Zebo sliding through (pic four).

After Saracens’ quarter-final win over Glasgow, Owen Farrell singled out Munster’s ability to “build pressure”. This, piled on by the likes of Stander and Peter O’Mahony up front, creates chances. Saracens must be at their sharpest to stop them.