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'Bizarre end to the game': Castres flyhalf's puzzling decision
By Sam Smith
Munster's 19-13 win over the visiting Castres side on a weekend where many European games involving French teams were postponed ended in bizarre fashion when Castres flyhalf decided to end it.
Still within touching distance of the home side at six points adrift, Castres had possession around halfway and ball-in-hand to potentially play for the win. Instead, flyhalf Benjamin Urdapilleta decided to hoof the ball into touch from the base of the ruck and secure the loss.
His decision was met with confusion and disbelief, as fans questioned why the side didn't play for the win.
The match was a forgettable affair as both sides really failed to get going. Munster fans were unhappy with the performance despite being happy with the overall result, but theorised a better opponent may have embarrassed their side.
Munster built a 9-3 lead on the back of three first-half penalties before a try to Jack O'Donoghue opened up the game in Munster's favour to 16-3. The two sides traded penalties before a late Castres try with four minutes remaining gave the visitors a chance.
But Urdapilleta was happy to take a losing bonus point instead of trying for the win.
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Agree we need a 10, 12, 13 refresh. ASAP. Well, next season now lol. Reiko should be put back on the wing. He'll be an absolute menace there. Imagine 11 Reiko 14 Clarke 15 Jordan as the backfield unit.
Go to commentsIt took a whole season to wash the Foster stink out to be fair. There's still been substantial change though. I think only 7 starters from the RWC QF v IRE started the IRE test in Dublin. This year wasn't the year for full innovation, transition needs to be balanced, & incremental. The new coaches will be able to stamp their full mark on the ABs from 2025 when Razor will select his first proper squad from a mega talented player pool. Exciting times ahead.
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