Shootin the breeze with Kidney & O'Gara

It goes without saying that Heineken Cup success will not go to Munster's head, inflated ego's aren't in the makeup of Munstermen, but just how far can this current crop of players actually go?
We catch up with Ronan O'Gara and Declan Kidney, two men who have been, and will continue to be instrumental in shaping Munster's already impressive history.

Former schoolmaster Declan Kidney has been around the block when it comes to rugby. Head coaching roles with Munster, The Dragons and Leinster mixed with a few seasons as Ireland assistant coach, it's easy to see why Munster were delighted to welcome Kidney back at the beginning of the 05/06 season.
First and foremost Kidney is a realist, and whereas he is the first to admit Munster's start to the Domestic League is less than ideal, he is a long way from hitting the panic button.

"We were missing a few players at the start of the season, and that was a great opportunity for others to step up to the mark. Between pre-season international commitments and carrying quite a few injuries, we have been missing some key players, and some of the new players who came into the squad certainly put their hands up, which has to be positive for the continued development of depth in the squad."

Throughout the opening games of the Domestic League, Munster were forced to delve deep into their reserve list, bringing in young academy players such as Ross Noonan, Tim Ryan and Denis Hurley to name but a few. The early season Munster team sheets, with the exception of Shaun Payne and Frankie Sheahan were virtually unrecognisable. No doubt Kidney would have liked to have all his big players available from the start. Unperturbed by the situation, he is content to play the hand he has been dealt because Declan has long been a believer in the importance and strength of the school and club game in Ireland, a healthy pool of talent, into which Kidney, has no hesitation in dipping his hands.

"We do believe that it's very important for the club structure in Ireland to stay strong, and we will do whatever we can to facilitate that while at the same time ensuring we fulfil our primary role which is to get the professional team performing to the best of their ability. There is nothing like some of the local derby club matches and it's important that we have the AIL matches to keep these players ticking over. The experience of playing in Lansdowne Road on finals day will always stand to a player when it comes to making the step up to professional and international level. I think of someone like Anthony Horgan who played in the quarter final and final of the AIL then a few weeks later he was playing in the semi-final of the Heineken Cup. Without that valuable gametime in the All Ireland League, players like Anthony wouldn't be match fit and subsequently wouldn't have been able to step straight into the Heineken Cup. It shouldn't be understated how hugely important a strong club scene is to the continued development of the professional teams."

For several Munster players their first game of the season was against Ulster followed a week later by Leinster, and when it comes to an Irish derby, friends become foes and no love is lost. Ronan O'Gara sported a nice shiner and a twisted nose after his first competitive game of the season against Ulster.

"Yea that was a tough game, but there are very few handy games now particularly in our situation having won the Heineken cup, everyone wants to have a crack at us. I felt pretty rusty after the Ulster game, as were most of the lads, but we knew we had a fair bit of improvement left in us."

With three games under the belt, it was into the Heineken Cup with a massive game away to Leicester Tigers where O'Gara and his trusty adidas boot secured victory with a 51 yard penalty in torrential rain in the closing moments of the game.

With their title defence off to a good start, we asked Declan if they had approached things any different this time around.

"Definitely not, it's the exact same approach as every other year. The years that we lost it was important that we didn't let that upset us, we just had to get on with it. Now that we've won we will do the exact same things.

From excited anticipation to intrepid expectation, now the tides have turned and Munster are sitting at the top of the European Rugby table, do they think the other teams will be out to prove a point against them.
"From a players perspective I think you are only being dishonest if you don't accept that other teams will put us on a pedestal, and get great joy out of trying to knock us off it, but that goes with the territory" said O'Gara, he continued "having said that, I'd prefer to be where we are now, rather than if we had lost another final last May."

Kidney seconds O'Gara's view "Other teams will see us as a target, but that's outside of our control and we can do nothing about it. Personally I think all the teams are professional enough to set their own standards and work to their targets, but I suppose the nature of sport is that everyone like to play the team who won last year."

Despite a dream start in the Heineken Cup, the lads are at pains not to lose focus on the next game, but they emit a quiet air of confidence in their ability to write another chapter into their inspiring biography. Declan Kidney is full of praise for the supporters who have been instrumental in motivating the team.

"The people who met us at the airport after Cardiff were the same people who came out to meet us when we lost. I remember losing big games and flying back home at one or two o'clock in the morning to be greeted by the throngs of supporters. Those faces are something you will never forget and that's why we owe them so much for keeping us going and we know the supporters will continue to spur us on win, lose or draw and I can tell you that faith is not something you just repay the once, you repay it as often as you can…"

The big question is, can Munster continue the momentum and development from last season? O'Gara has no hesitation in provides the answer.

"There has been a stepping stone with this team every year, and the lads who went before us paved the way for our success last May. I would be very disappointed if the team doesn't improve significantly this year. Personally I think this team is only getting going. Technically we are probably not up to full speed and I think there are areas where we can, and will improve, but we have the key ingredients, very good players in key positions so it's all to play for.

Manus Lappin is the Editor of Emerald Rugby, Ireland's leading Rugby magazine. For more rugby coverage checkout http://www.emeraldrugby.com/ or pick up a copy of Emerald Rugby at your local newsagent.