3. “From rivals, with love” – Burns and Farrell make their mark as Munster sign from Irish clubs
Munster have been busy in the Summer transfer window, but have kept their scouting scope narrowed across the Emerald Isle. Billy Burns made his mark this afternoon, after arriving from Ulster at the end of the 2023/24 season. The halfback wasted no time in getting his first points on the board for his new club, as he kept the score ticking over with some metronomic conversions off the tee.
Along side Burns in the Munster back-line was Tom Farrell, with the outside centre also getting his first taste of life in the red jerseys. Farrell joined Munster from Irish rivals Connacht, with the midfielder embarking upon his two-year deal with this run out at the Rec. Whilst the two backs have bolstered Munster’s attacking options, they have also taken away two key weapons from the arsenals of their Irish opponents. Helping their hopes and hindering their opponents, the signings could well prove valuable into the upcoming United Rugby Championship campaign.
4. “Game of two halves” – Bath unleash the big guns off the bench
Johann van Graan had a clear game plan heading into this match, as he kept the majority of his Test match talents on the bench for the initial 40 minutes. Allowing the albeit more inexperienced squad to test the water against Munster in the first half, the introduction of Finn Russell and co added the star-power to shut out Munster for a scoreless second half.
The additions of Russell, Joe Cokanasiga, Charlie Ewels, Tom de Glanville, Max Ojomah and Jaco Coetzee produced an immediate key change for the boys in blue, black and white. Bath were over to score back-to-back tries within seven minutes of the second half, with Russell’s kicking getting his side further in front from the tee. Couple this with the element of surprise in the form of Tyler Offiah, and van Graan’s game plan worked to perfection at the Rec.
5. What’s next for both teams? – Pre season continues as creases and ironed out
The count down to the 2024/25 Premiership season continues for Bath, who will be delighted to get their first win of the pre-season under their belts. The Somerset side will be crossing the Severn Bridge for a battle with Cardiff on Friday 6th September, before they welcome leading Championship outfit Ealing Trailfinders to the Rec the following day (September 7th).
Van Graan’s men then get set for another meeting with Welsh United Rugby Championship opponents, as the final pre-season fixture of their preparations comes against the Dragons, with an exciting battle on the cards between Joe Cokanasiga and flying Welsh wing Rio Dyer.
Despite coming away from the Rec on the wrong side of the score-line, Munster will be taking some valuable lessons in West Country rugby back home to Ireland. After going head to head with Bath, Munster will be welcoming Gloucester Rugby over the Irish sea, as they prepare to take on the Cherry and Whites on Friday 6th September.