Munster players ratings: Tadhg Beirne leads the way as URC champions are outplayed in sombre showing

Following Munster’s 17-10 defeat to Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship semi-final, here is how we rated Graham Rowntree’s side.

Munster player ratings v Glasgow

15 Mike Haley: A few errors at the back but did come into the line nicely as a late option and a second first-receiver. Solid without shining in the encounter. 5

14 Shane Daly: Reliable as ever from the winger who went toe-to-toe with the brilliant Kyle Steyn. He held his own throughout the match. 6

13 Antoine Frisch: Grabbed a try in what was a solid final appearance in the Munster jersey before his move to France next season and performed well against the superb Scottish midfield. One of Munster’s best in an error-strewn performance. 7

12 Alex Nankivell: After a strong 73-minute performance, the inside centre’s game came to an abrupt end with a frankly unnecessary and reckless ruck entry and was rightfully given his marching orders. His sending-off ended Munster’s hopes of a comeback. 2

11 Simon Zebo: The veteran back put in a tidy shift on the wing in what proved to be his final outing after a glittering career, signing off as Munster great. 6

10 Jack Crowley: Did his utmost to steer his side to victory as he did in the quarter-final success over the Ospreys, but his efforts fell short. The Warriors’ breakdown excellence impacted the service he received. 6

9 Craig Casey: Hassled and hurried by Glasgow’s breakdown process, which made things rather difficult for the nuggety scrum-half. He had little success around the fringes and was hooked before the hour mark. 4

Munster dethroned as Glasgow Warriors set up Bulls clash in United Rugby Championship final

Forwards

8 Jack O’Donoghue: Committed and effective from the Munster legend who was backed for the starting role ahead of Gavin Coombes. Did not take a backwards step with his carries and racked up a remarkable 15 tackles in 54 minutes. 7

7 John Hodnett: Destructive with ball in hand in the wider channels, bouncing off Glasgow defenders, but was equally effective in shunting Warriors’ bodies backwards. 7

6 Peter O’Mahony: A wonderful flick pass from the base of the ruck led to Frisch’s try while he was at his usual best at the lineout, both on his own ball and Glasgow’s. 6

5 Tadhg Beirne (c): A real pest at the breakdown which is standard with the brilliant second rower. He was not only excellent at the breakdown but overall on defence. At times, he was keeping his side in the game and had stellar involvement in multiple facets of the game. 8

4 Fineen Wycherley: Backed ahead of RG Snyman to start the match, and while he was sharp defensively, he conceded three penalties. 4

3 Stephen Archer: The veteran prop continues to be a force in the scrums and today was no different. Made the tackles required of him. 6

2 Niall Scannell: A few wobbles in the lineouts, scrummed rather well. A solid defensive performance but little outside of that. 5

1 Jeremy Loughman: The loosehead prop made a stunning break for Munster’s opening try of the game and impressed against the excellent Zander Fagerson in the scrums. Solid defensively, too, and enjoyed a strong outing overall. 7

Replacements: Snyman made a telling impact with his offload to send Loughman tearing through but probably should have held onto the ball with his final offload of the game. Sean O’Brien made a sharp impact, as did Gavin Coombes, but Munster did not get as much as they would have liked from their bench. 6

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