Van Graan dismisses O’Connor’s claims of ‘cynical’ Munster play

‘I thought both teams pushed the boundaries quite well’

Munster skipper  Peter O’Mahony celebrates scoring a try against Leicester  with Rory Scannell, Conor Murray and Alex Wootton. Photograph:  Dan Sheridan/Inpho
Munster skipper Peter O’Mahony celebrates scoring a try against Leicester with Rory Scannell, Conor Murray and Alex Wootton. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho

Leicester Tigers coach Matt O’Connor called Munster “cynical” in the aftermath of this 33-10 home victory at Thomond Park.

“You can’t come here and be inaccurate,” said O’Connor. “We turned over the ball 20 times. Munster took their chances in the first half.

“They were accurate and from there they were very, very diligent and cynical, killing the ball at every opportunity which made it very hard for us to score.

“You got to be better here, you got to be more accurate.”

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On O’Connor stating Munster were cynical, Munster coach Johann van Graan stated: “Whoever adapts the best to the referee will get the advantage. I thought both teams pushed the boundaries quite well.”

Leicester have lost fullback Telusa Veainu to a broken jaw following an accidental head collision with Munster winger Conway.

Conway was also forced off with concussion following the 48th-minute incident.

In response to O’Connor stating the “duty of care” was on Conway in the Veainu incident, Van Graan replied: “It was a kick in the air and a collision between two players and both guys got injured. I hope both will be fine.”

On Munster injuries, to Conway and Ian Keatley’s knee, Van Graan said: “Nothing very serious at this stage.”

Munster travel to Leicester for round four of the Champions Cup next Sunday, a corresponding fixture they lost last season.

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent