Never quit on Munster Rugby. While the province has endured more downs than ups over the past decade, belief is deep in Munster's DNA. Down 28-9 tonight, in one of the most difficult venues in European rugby, Munster found a way to beat Clermont Auvergne and win 39-31. The result is as inspiring as it was improbable. The men in red were being buried by all and sundry on social media during a dreary first half only to rise like Lazarus and storm to a victory that ranks alongside all of their famous European wins.
It was a nicely-worked try by fullback Mike Haley that got Munster back within touching distance of Clermont.
That is much more like it from @Munsterrugby 🔴
So crisp off the line-out and Mike Haley goes ever to finish the move!#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/Pr7MdWvQEq— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 19, 2020
JJ Hanrahan scored 24 points along the way and Josh Wycherley was a force to be reckoned with in his first European start. It was a famous all-around team performance, but Munster were driven on by Man of the Match CJ Stander. Stander scored the try that sent Munster past Clermont. He was also caught with a huge grin on his face just as Munster won a late penalty in a maul.
25th min: Clermont 28-9 Munster
70th min: Clermont 31-32 Munster
CJ Stander with a massive try to complete an epic comeback AWAY to Clermont!
It's just so @Munsterrugby 🔴#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/hUibgWj1Yp— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 19, 2020
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CJ Stander smiling in the maul because he knows @Munsterrugby are about to get a penalty is too good 😂#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/aFM6KmPyQ0
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 19, 2020
My Picture of the night 😄
#ASMvMUN #SUAF @CJStander pic.twitter.com/q3RvEKBZC9— Daithi O’S (@hakaman) December 19, 2020
Four tries conceded in 25 minutes.
28-9 down at half-time.
AWAY to Clermont...
Stayed in it. Shifted the momentum. Won by 8️⃣ points!
Never underestimate the size of @Munsterrugby hearts 👊 pic.twitter.com/u3bn4OuxMy— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 19, 2020
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Not surprisingly, Munster fans were ecstatic after the fulltime whistle, not just about this result, but what it says about the up-and-coming players at Thomond Park.
It's sacrilege to say, but that's a better performance than the miracle match for me. Coming from 19 points down, away from home, against legitimately one of the strongest sides in Europe and title contenders, is an amazing feat. I'm genuinely elated at this. Go on the lads.
— Duncan Casey (@BigDunc123) December 19, 2020
Munster's biggest ever comeback to win in the @ChampionsCup, turning around a 19 point deficit, beating the 16 point gap they overturned to win at Sale in 2014.
— Stuart Farmer (@Stu_Farmer) December 19, 2020
Someone give me Josh Wycherley's address so I can send him a year's supply of Beamish.#CLEvMUN
— The Loose Head (@TheLooseH) December 19, 2020
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FULL-TIME: Clermont 31-39 Munster
What a comeback, what a WIN!
From 28-9 down, we have beaten Clermont 39-31 in the Stade Marcel-Michelin 🥳 🥳 🥳
24 points off the tee from @JJHanrahan in a magnificent team performance 💥💥💥#ASMvMUN #SUAF 🔴— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) December 19, 2020
I'm nearly in tears here! So fucking proud of them!! What a team we have on our hands. The kids are different level!
— David O'Sullivan (@davidpos13) December 19, 2020
Screengrab by Paul Collins
