Red Army Roar Inspires At Thomond Park

“It’s good to get goosebumps again at Thomond Park.” The reaction of captain CJ Stander when asked about the vocal and passionate home support that accompanied Saturday’s Champions Cup win over Stade Francais.

With the home side, to all intents and purposes, out of Europe’s premier rugby competition with two rounds to play, the performance and result from Saturday’s game still carried serious weight as Foley’s charges look to finish the competition on a high and regain some winning momentum before a return to PRO12 action where they will set their sights on the play-offs and qualification for next season’s Champions Cup.
 
Following on from the third highest and highest attendances of Rounds 1 and 3 respectively, despite last weekend’s exit from the competition in Paris, the Red Army again turned out in numbers to hand Thomond Park the second highest attendance of Round 5.  
 
In the build-up to the game, Stander and Anthony Foley spoke about delivering a performance that was worthy of both the jersey and supporters, and with that duly delivered against the French Top 14 champions on Saturday, the captain and Head Coach made particular reference to the spirited home support and the added lift it gave the team in Thomond Park.
 
Foley said, “There was an unbelievable support in Thomond Park considering the situation we were in.  They came in numbers, took part in the game and got in behind the boys, and both fans and the team fed nicely off each other.  It was a great European atmosphere.
 
Stander added, “We did not want to let our supporters down and there was a lot of pressure on us to get that pride back for the supporters because they are the people who pitch up and supports us come rain or come shine
 
“The fans stepped up and it was unbelievable to hear them.   “It's good to get goosebumps again at Thomond Park.”
 
“We said we had nothing to win except pride. The crowd came out, you can hear them and that’s the spirit of Munster. It took a lot of hurt from last week, but guys stood up and it’s unbelievable.”
 

Thanks to everyone for standing with us on Saturday.We know it has been a tough campaign but we are so thankful to have you behind us!#SUAF

— C J Stander (@CJStander) January 18, 2016

Humbled by the support for @Munsterrugby yday in Thomond! Great to get the win. Best of luck to A team in the B&I cup today. #SUAF

— Niall Scannell (@N_Scannell222) January 17, 2016

Delighted to have signed on for another 3 years. Great performance from the lads and the support was immense yesterday #SUAF

— james cronin (@jcronin1990) January 17, 2016