We Gave Them Too Much Of A Lead – Murphy.

Former Ireland Schools star Phil Murphy was understandably disappointed in the aftermath of his side’s defeat by Toulouse feeling his side gave the winners, “too much of a lead.”

No excuses really, we gave Toulouse too much of a lead in that opening half. Nineteen points is a lot to have to try and claw back especially against a side like them. I thought we needed to be more precise in the opening half. We did well on a number of occasions to get close to their line but just couldn’t get a score.

“Then in the second hand we started to play to our game plan and the scores started to come. But we’d left ourselves an awful lot to do. I’d have to be very proud of the way our guys played. They gave it their best shot in that second period. You know, we go into it nineteen points down and come up short by five points. There’s no disgrace in that and full credit to Toulouse, they are a helluva good side.

“Yes, of course it’s disappointing. But we’ve had some great games, some great victories and I certainly think we can build on what has been achieved this season.”

Next up was a beaming Trevor Brennan, the man who did as much as anyone to deny Perpignan particularly in that opening half when the Leixlip man clattered anything in gold and red that treathened the Toulouse line.

“It’s just a fantastic feeling so it is. To have that medal is just magic. It was something we had spoken about all year. These lads have been in semi-finals and quarter-finals over the past few years and never managed to pull it off so to finally succeed is just brilliant. I’m delighted for them. Delighted for meself too.”

Speaking about his move to the French club Brennan admitted it was a huge decision.

“I didn’t really know what to expect. Things hadn’t been going well for me here really. I wasn’t getting my place with Leinster so I thought sure what the hell I’ll give it a go. And sure it’s worked out great. I’m having a great time there. They’re brilliant people and I just glad I’ve been able to repay them in this way.

“But we’ve a French championship semi-final in a week’s time so it’s off home tonight and get ready for that.”

But one suspects there will be a little party in Toulouse this evening.