Dragons punished for mistakes

Nov 26 2007 by Staff Reporter, Western Mail

Munster 45-19 Dragons

DRAGONS’ inability to win possession on their own line-outs and kick-offs cost them dearly at Musgrave Park on Saturday against Munster.

The Dragons, who lost five players to the national team during the week, were unable to secure enough possession and Munster punished then dearly running in seven tries to win by 26 points.

“We are a good passing side, but we just made too many errors on the night. Our drill off our kick-offs was not good and our drill off our line-outs was not good. We gave Munster too much of a platform in the line-outs,” said Dragons coach Paul Turner.

“If you present Munster with line-out ball like that in your own 22 they will hurt you.”

The sides were level at seven apiece, Mark Thomas cancelling out Munster’s opening try scored by Peter Stringer in the 15th minute before silly mistakes by the Dragons, who were now down to 14 men after the sin-binning of Adam Jones saw them concede two quick tries scored by Donncha Ryan and Kieran Lewis, both converted by Paul Warwick to put Munster in the driving seat 21-7.

But the Dragons took advantage of a mistake by Frankie Sheahan and impressive Richard Mustoe ran in to touch down for 21-12 after 30 minutes.

Munster again upped the pace and two more tries saw them lead 33-12 at the break.

It was soon 38-12, Brian Carney adding Munster’s sixth try before the Dragons scored their third try of the game, this time Jamie Ringer scoring in the 57th minute.

The Dragons were now enjoying a spell of supremacy by two referring decisions by match official Rob Debney cost them.

“We did come back into the game and at 38-19. I was very disappointed that we could not get that bonus point. There was a couple of decisions I will have to have a look at on Sunday.,” added Turner.

“I felt maybe there was a penalty try for a deliberate knock down by a Munster player and then we got over the line from a scrum and we were penalised.”

Sub Rua Tipoki completed the scoring for Munster with a try in the dying minutes.