Gavin Coombes produced the type Champions Cup performance we have become accustomed to over the last couple of seasons, complete with close range scores, sit-downs, and a man-of-the-match award to cap it off.
It also gave an insight into the character of Coombes, after the West-Cork no. 8 suffered an uncharacteristic slump in form during November, which saw his Ireland minutes confined to the 'A' game against the Maori All Blacks.
His two tries this afternoon has given him seven tries in his last seven matches, while he also sealed today's victory with a huge turnover after holding up a maul.
He even managed a brilliant quip at the end of his MOTM interview, remarking, "do you want me to give this to Tadhg [Beirne]?"
With the Six Nations coming in just three weeks time, and Jack Conan currently suffering from a slump himself, it could be the international block where Coombes finally breaks into the first-choice Irish 23.
Gavin Coombes Shines For Munster In Defeat Of Northampton
😂 😂 ‘Do you want me to give this to Tadhg?’ - Player of the match Gavin Coombes in fine form after the win over Northampton #HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/hFuI8DY5tt
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) January 14, 2023
TRY MUNSTER - The hosts claim the opening try of the game as Gavin Coombes muscles over from close range #HeinekenChampionsCup
📱 Live updates 👉 https://t.co/I1TABx0LEI
📺 Watch live 👉 https://t.co/sDDUomkMus
📻 Listen live commentary 👉 https://t.co/Q9ALReCh3S pic.twitter.com/KCmL1zqI2F— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) January 14, 2023
We're now a Gavin Coombes stan account 🤩
He's got his second try of the day and @Munsterrugby lead by 24 at the half 👏#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/2O4uzPM1U6— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) January 14, 2023
READ HERE: No Complaints For Munster As Jack O'Donoghue Sees Red For Reckless Shoulder To Head
Munster Scores:
Tries: Gavin Coombes (2), Jack O’Donoghue
Pens: Joey Carbery (1/1), Jack Crowley (1/1)
Cons: Joey Carbery (3/3)
Northampton Scores:
Tries: Tommy Freeman, James Ramm
Pens: Fin Smith (3/3)
Cons: Fin Smith (2/2)
Munster: 15. Mike Haley; 14. Calvin Nash, 13. Antoine Frisch, 12. Jack Crowley, 11. Shane Daly; 10. Joey Carbery, 9. Craig Casey; 1. Dave Kilcoyne, 2. Niall Scannell, 3. Roman Salanoa; 4. Jean Kleyn, 5. Tadhg Beirne; 6. Jack O’Donoghue, 7. Peter O’Mahony (Captain), 8. Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: 16. Scott Buckley, 17. Josh Wycherley, 18. John Ryan, 19. John Hodnett, 20. Alex Kendellen, 21. Paddy Patterson, 22. Rory Scannell, 23. Liam Coombes.
Northampton Saints: 15. George Furbank; 14. Tommy Freeman, 13. Matt Proctor, 12. Rory Hutchinson, 11. James Ramm; 10. Fin Smith, 9. Alex Mitchell; 1. Alex Waller, 2. Mike Haywood, 3. Paul Hill; 4. David Ribbans, 5. Alex Moon; 6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 7. Courtney Lawes, 8. Lewis Ludlam (Captain).
Replacements: 16. Robbie Smith, 17. Ethan Waller, 18. Alfie Petch, 19. Alex Coles, 20. Angus Scott-Young, 21. Callum Braley, 22. Fraser Dingwall, 23. Courtnall Skosan.
Referee: Tual Trainini
TMO: Eric Gauzins
SEE ALSO: Beautiful Scenes As Munster Teammates Get Engaged After Leinster Victory
