Munster ‘lost the physical battle’ but Foley not giving up on Champions Cup

ANTHONY FOLEY SAYS Munster have no intention of giving up their European Cup hopes after a 16-9 defeat to Clermont in Thomond Park.

The southern province were suffocated by the French side’s powerful defence, although the seven-point losing margin and second-half scrum dominance will provide Munster with some encouragement ahead of next weekend’s return leg.

Clermont are a formidable proposition at Stade Marcel Michelin, even if they have lost twice there in 2014 after previously going 77 games unbeaten.

“I don’t think we’re going to throw in any towel and we’ll give it our best shot,” said Foley post-match. “We’ll make sure that we stay fighting. We’ve got to stay true to the badge that we’re wearing and turn up next week.

Foley was quick to admit that “we lost the physical battle” against the Fritz Lee-inspired Clermont, pointing to the collision zone as the major area where his side need to improve before next Sunday’s encounter.

“[We made] a very poor start,” said Foley. “That allowed them to get belief and obviously gave them five points.

“From there, they grew into the game and we didn’t get as physically into the game as we would have liked and some of that is turning over ball and not making good use of the ball, putting pressure on them. We soaked up a lot of pressure and ended up giving out points to them.”

Wesley Fofana scored a crucial try for Clermont. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

16-6 down at the break, Foley stated that “the boys weren’t even out of breath” with another 40 minutes left to play. The plan was to get into the Clermont half, build some pressure and get an early second-half score.

“Unfortunately, we came up short,” sighed Foley.

The error count from a Munster point of view was a major contributing factor to defeat, with several knock-ons during phase play and two at crucial mauling opportunities. Though conditions were not ideal in Limerick, Foley will look remedy that issue in the coming week.

“They turned us over a fair few times, they played in the right areas and they took their opportunities when it came their way; we didn’t. It’s something we will identify and make sure we can rectify that next week.”

Munster come up short at Thomond Park against stifling Clermont5 talking points after Clermont power to Thomond Park win over Munster