"Why can't we do that again?" – Gavin Coombes backs dark horses Munster for URC title
Yesterday at 10:20 AM
Gavin Coombes is enjoying another standout season in the BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) and is determined to help Munster Rugby secure their second title in three years. The Skibbereen native has consistently been among the top performers in recent league campaigns, and this year is no different.
Coombes currently ranks in the top four for tries scored (6), successful carries (76), and offloads (22). On defense, he has made the sixth most tackles (168) in the competition, demonstrating his all-around impact on the game.
With the play-offs approaching, Coombes and Munster are focused on securing a top-eight finish. The team is currently sitting in seventh place, with crucial upcoming fixtures against Cardiff Rugby (away), Ulster Rugby (home), and Benetton Treviso (home).
The road to the title may require Munster to navigate tough away games throughout the play-offs, but they will take confidence from their 2023 championship win, where they triumphed despite having to play away in every game.
"We aren't out of the competition," stressed Coombes. "We are still going to challenge for the title if we can. When we won it, we came fifth and we went away every game, so why can't we do that again? When we have been on it this season, we have had some great days and great performances.
“There is a lot of belief in this group that we have the talent to challenge for the league, so that's definitely what we are speaking about. We have got to get in the top eight first, but it's in our own hands. We don't have to rely on other people getting us results."
The upcoming fixtures are particularly significant, with Cardiff, Benetton, and Ulster all close competitors for the top eight. Coombes remains optimistic about his team's chances.
"We are playing Cardiff and Benetton – who are ahead of us – and Ulster, who are three points off us. So it's all on us, it's not relying on anyone else. That's an exciting challenge and one we are all looking forward to."
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and performing under pressure, especially with the team having recently faced high-stakes games in Europe.
Munster will next face Cardiff on Friday night at the Arms Park, where they will take on a side that is one point ahead of them in the table. "They are a good team, they have improved a lot this year," said Coombes.
“They are in a similar position to us. They are fighting for the top eight. There is other stuff going on around the club as well, so they will probably want to prove a point and make a statement that as a group they are going to overcome that challenge. So they are going to have huge fight. They are never easy to play at home, so it's going to be a huge challenge."
Following a narrow defeat to the Vodacom Bulls in their most recent BKT URC outing, Coombes reflected on the game and highlighted areas for improvement. "You couldn't fault our effort or attitude on the pitch. We probably didn't take our opportunities when they came in the first half and didn't play the conditions right in the second, while we were unfortunate with a few things that happened in the game.
“It's not one where we can feel sorry for ourselves and waste any time because it's a six-day turnaround. We need everyone on it, so we had it parked by the time we came in. I think everyone knows this is a huge week for us. There's great energy in the building and the mood in the camp is good."
Quotes provided by URC Media
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