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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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Latest Comments
Sadly the team that kicks the most goals wins most games. Northern hemisphere teams usually go for goals from penalties whereas Southern sides use them to go for tries and often fail. A moot point as to which is the better tactic.
Go to commentsJust accept the Saffas aren’t good enough to compete in a superior comp - unless they get direct help from incompetent refs.
Best they stick to the inferior SH comps that make them feel good about themselves. And allows their ignorant supporters to spew an inordinate amount of nonsensical shite. As they do.
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