Foley Hopes Ulster Win Can Breed Confidence
5th January 2016 By Munster Rugby
Following his side’s timely returning to winning ways in Belfast on Saturday, Head Coach Anthony Foley is hoping the performance will breed confidence within the squad as they prepare for another formidable challenge this Saturday – away to Stade Francais in the European Champions Cup.
Despite winning just five from twelve in the Top 14 to date this season, the reigning league champions returned to form last weekend when recording a one point 18-17 win over Toulouse who themselves would have topped the domestic competition had they won at the Stade Jean Bouin.
Likewise, Munster’s fortunes changed for the better when they recovered from a 5 game losing streak to win against high-flying Ulster at Kingspan Stadium – a venue where the men in red had not won since 2011 and against a side who had just recorded back-to-back wins over the aforesaid Toulouse in the Champions Cup.
Foley is now hoping his side can reap reward from Saturday’s success. “Wins breed confidence and sometimes it's a habit you get into. You run out there and play victim, it was something we were careful not to get into; we wanted to not just play our way out of it, but grind our way out of it and make sure we earned it. That it wasn't an intercept try that got it for us, it was hard work and effort.”
“It's massive to get momentum, it's massive to get confidence and to see the character and commitment our players showed in the shirt. It's now important that we take that on. I thought the boys turned up for one another and when things went against us they stood up and went back at it hard again led by the captain CJ Stander and by Ian Keatley.”
Indeed the Head Coach was quick to praise his out-half Keatley who overcame two tough outings in Munster’s consecutive losses to Leicester Tigers with a man of the match display – his second of the season – in Belfast, controlling the game masterfully and scoring all of Munster’s points with two penalties and an opportunistic drop-goal.
“At pivotal moments, Keatley put us in the right areas. He has had a tough few weeks and hopefully now, going forward, he has a point he can come back to in his rugby and in his mental state from the day he played here.”
Foley’s charges will look to continue winning ways when they travel to Paris for Saturday's rescheduled Champions Cup Round 2 encounter – KO 4:45pm Irish time (5:45pm local) with live coverage on Sky Sports.
Meanwhile the return encounter takes place the following Saturday – January 16th – in Thomond Park at 1pm. Bring the whole family from just €;60, while adults and students can join the Munster Roar from as little as €;20 and €;10 respectively. Click here for full Ticket, Train and Hospitality information.
