Foley: Answers Need To Be Physical

“We’ll assess the game and comeback with some answers but those answers need to be physical and ones that we can see out on the pitch.” The reaction of Anthony Foley as Munster prepare for this weekend’s return encounter with Stade Francais following Saturday’s European exit in Paris.

Speaking in the immediate aftermath of Munster’s third straight European defeat, an understandably abject Foley discussed what went awry for his men in the 27-7 defeat, a game that saw the hosts outscore Munster 17 points to 7 in the second half despite playing the entire 40 minutes with just 14 men.
 
“We suffered the same problems again – lack of control, losing the breakdown, inability to score, putting ourselves under pressure and conceding soft tries – it’s very disappointing.
 
“We knew there was space there with the extra man but we never managed to get that squeeze on them in the second half and that showed good defence and control from Stade but poor discipline out of us.
 
“You’d like to think that we can turn this around.  Before Treviso (Round 1 in November) we were scoring at good volume but since Treviso we have struggled to get the scoreboard ticking over.  It’s something that we’ve worked hard on in the background but it’s not something that we’ve seen on the pitch.”
 
The result at the Stade Jean Bouin ended Munster’s chances of progression from Pool 4 of the Champions Cup with two rounds still to play.  The province have lost three games on the bounce in Europe and with Stade now in real contention for a place in the knock out stages, Foley knows a reaction from his side is essential in avoiding a home defeat this weekend.
 
“Stats and figures are what they are and to be honest with you we’re trying to figure out how we front up next weekend and put in a performance at home that is worthy of the jersey.  “We’ll assess the game and comeback with some answers but those answers need to be physical and ones that we can see out on the pitch – at the moment we’re not giving this answers.”
 
Munster v Stade Francais, European Champions Cup Round 5, Saturday January 16^th at Thomond Park – KO 1pm.
 
Tickets

The whole family (2 adults & 2 kids) can enjoy this lunchtime kick-off from just €;60, while adult and student tickets start from as little as €;20 and €;10 respectively.

Get your tickets online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.

Tickets for this game can also be purchased as part of a Three Match Pack. Choose this game and any two home PRO12 games. Match Packs start from just €;45 and also save you 10% across the cost of all three tickets. Click here to build yours.

Train

Those travelling from Kent Station, Cork on matchday can choose from the following departure times including 7:00, 8:00, 9:20 and 10:20am. 

Those returning to Cork after the game can choose from the 4:45, 5:45, 6:50, 7:50 and 8:45pm services.

Those travelling from Heuston Station, Dublin can also choose from a variety of departure times including 7:00, 8:00, 9:00 and 10:00am. 

Those returning to Dublin can choose between the 3:45, 4:45, 5:45, 6:50, 7:50 and 8:45pm services.

Fares start from just €;12.99 each way. To book and for more information please click here.