2012–13 Munster Rugby season

The 2012–13 Munster Rugby season was Munster's twelfth season competing in the Pro12, alongside which they also competed in the Heineken Cup. It was Rob Penney's first season as head coach.

2012–13 Munster Rugby season
Ground(s)Thomond Park (Capacity: 26,500)
Musgrave Park (Capacity: 8,500)
Coach(es)Rob Penney
Captain(s)Doug Howlett
League(s)Pro12
2012–136th
← 2011–12 2013–14 →

Summary

Munster were drawn in pool 1 for the 2012–13 Heineken Cup, alongside Scottish Pro12 rivals and semi-finals of the previous seasons competition Edinburgh, English Premiership side Saracens and French Top 14 side Racing Métro 92.[1] Hew head coach Rob Penney[2] appointed Doug Howlett as the new squad captain ahead of the 2012–13 season.[3] Munster opened their Heineken Cup campaign with a 22–17 away defeat against Racing Métro 92 on 13 October 2012.[4] 8 days later, Munster won 33–0 in their round 2 home fixture against Edinburgh.[5] In the December back-to-backs against Saracens in rounds 3 and 4, Munster won 15–9 at home, before being defeated 19–13 away.[6][7] Munster won 26–17 away from home against Edinburgh on 13 January 2013.[8] One week later, Munster beat Racing Métro 92 29–6 at home to secure the second 'best runner-up' spot and advance to the tournament knockout stage.[9] In their quarter-final against English team Harlequins on 7 April 2013, Munster produced an immense performance, captained by Paul O'Connell in the absence of Doug Howlett, to win 18–12 away from home.[10] In the semi-final on 27 April 2018, Munster were beaten 16–10 by French side Clermont, despite a gallant effort in the second half in the Stade de la Mosson.[11] The match turned out to by club legend Ronan O'Gara's final appearance for Munster, as he announced his retirement from rugby a few weeks later.[12] Squad captain and another club legend, Doug Howlett, was forced to retire after a shoulder injury suffered against Glasgow Warriors in March 2013.[13] Munster finished 6th in the 2012–13 Pro12 regular season with 11 wins, 10 defeats and 1 draw, missing out on the play-offs.

2012–13 Playing Squad

Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

Player Position Union
Seán Henry Hooker Ireland Ireland
Mike Sherry Hooker Ireland Ireland
Damien Varley Hooker Ireland Ireland
Stephen Archer Prop Ireland Ireland
BJ Botha Prop South Africa South Africa
Christy Condon Prop Ireland Ireland
Alan Cotter Prop Ireland Ireland
Marcus Horan Prop Ireland Ireland
Dave Kilcoyne Prop Ireland Ireland
Wian du Preez Prop South Africa South Africa
John Ryan Prop Ireland Ireland
Dave Foley Lock Ireland Ireland
Ian Nagle Lock Ireland Ireland
Donncha O'Callaghan Lock Ireland Ireland
Paul O'Connell Lock Ireland Ireland
Donnacha Ryan Lock Ireland Ireland
Sean Dougall Flanker Ireland Ireland
Billy Holland Flanker Ireland Ireland
Tommy O'Donnell Flanker Ireland Ireland
Barry O'Mahony Flanker Ireland Ireland
Peter O'Mahony Flanker Ireland Ireland
Niall Ronan Flanker Ireland Ireland
Paddy Butler Number 8 Ireland Ireland
James Coughlan Number 8 Ireland Ireland
CJ Stander Number 8 South Africa South Africa
Player Position Union
Conor Murray Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Cathal Sheridan Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Peter Stringer Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Duncan Williams Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Scott Deasy Fly-half Ireland Ireland
JJ Hanrahan Fly-half Ireland Ireland
Ian Keatley Fly-half Ireland Ireland
Ronan O'Gara Fly-half Ireland Ireland
Danny Barnes Centre Ireland Ireland
Ivan Dineen Centre Ireland Ireland
James Downey Centre Ireland Ireland
Casey Laulala Centre New Zealand New Zealand
Keith Earls Wing Ireland Ireland
Doug Howlett (c) Wing New Zealand New Zealand
Johne Murphy Wing Ireland Ireland
Luke O'Dea Wing Ireland Ireland
Simon Zebo Wing Ireland Ireland
Denis Hurley Fullback Ireland Ireland
Felix Jones Fullback Ireland Ireland
Seán Scanlon Fullback Ireland Ireland

Pre-season
10 August 2012
La Rochelle France31–7Ireland Munster
Report[15]
Stade Marcel-Deflandre
17 August 2012
Munster Ireland24–9England Bristol
Report[16]
Musgrave Park
24 August 2012
Munster Ireland10–34England London Irish
Report[17]
Musgrave Park

2012–13 Pro12
Main article: 2012–13 Pro12
Pro12 table
Club Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against Points Difference Tries For Tries Against Try Bonus Losing Bonus Points
1Ireland Ulster (RU) 221714577348+22962338381
2Ireland Leinster (CH) 221705585386+19963469178
3Scotland Glasgow Warriors (SF) 221606541324+21766309376
4Wales Scarlets (SF) 221507436406+3041373366
5Wales Ospreys 221417471342+12948252262
6Ireland Munster 2211110442389+5346344454
7Italy Benetton Treviso 2210210414450–3645444250
8Ireland Connacht 228113358422–6432431338
9Wales Cardiff Blues 228014348487–13928511538
10Scotland Edinburgh 227015399504–10535511736
11Wales Newport Gwent Dragons 226016358589–23131721328
12Italy Zebre 220022291573–28229601910

If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[18]

  1. number of matches won;
  2. the difference between points for and points against;
  3. the number of tries scored;
  4. the most points scored;
  5. the difference between tries for and tries against;
  6. the fewest red cards received;
  7. the fewest yellow cards received.
Green background (rows 1 to 4) are play-off places. Qualification for the Heineken Cup is based on each country's allocation, i.e. three highest–ranked Irish teams, three highest–ranked Welsh teams, both Italian teams and both Scottish teams. Leinster won the Amlin Challenge Cup, giving Ireland an extra Heineken Cup place that passed to Connacht.

Updated 17 May 2013. Source: RaboDirect PRO12

    1 September 2012
    20:00
    Edinburgh Scotland18–23Ireland Munster
    Report[19]
    Murrayfield
    Attendance: 4,050
    Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU)
    7 September 2012
    20:00
    Munster Ireland19–6Italy Treviso
    Report[20]
    Thomond Park
    Attendance: 15,642
    Referee: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)
    14 September 2012
    19:05
    Ulster Ireland20–19Ireland Munster
    Report[21]
    Ravenhill
    Attendance: 10,397
    Referee: Alain Rolland (IRFU)
    22 September 2012
    20:00
    Munster Ireland33–13Wales Newport Gwent Dragons
    Report[22]
    Thomond Park
    Attendance: 15,064
    Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR)
    29 September 2012
    18:30
    Ospreys Wales30–15Ireland Munster
    Report[23]
    Liberty Stadium
    Attendance: 8,652
    Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU)
    6 October 2012
    18:30
    Leinster Ireland30–21Ireland Munster
    Report[24]
    Aviva Stadium
    Attendance: 46,280
    Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU)
    26 October 2012
    19:45
    Munster Ireland29–3Italy Zebre
    Report[25]
    Thomond Park
    Attendance: 14,738
    Referee: Neil Hennessy (WRU)
    2 November 2012
    19:05
    Cardiff Blues Wales18–24Ireland Munster
    Report[26]
    Cardiff Arms Park
    Attendance: 8,064
    Referee: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)
    25 November 2012
    17:15
    Munster Ireland6–13Wales Scarlets
    Report[27]
    Musgrave Park
    Attendance: 6,219
    Referee: Laurent Cardona (FFR)
    22 December 2012
    17:15
    Connacht Ireland12–16Ireland Munster
    Report[28]
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 7,789
    Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU)
    29 December 2012
    17:30
    Munster Ireland24–10Ireland Ulster
    Report[29]
    Thomond Park
    Attendance: 23,587
    Referee: Alain Rolland (IRFU)
    5 January 2013
    19:30
    Munster Ireland6–17Wales Cardiff Blues
    Report[30]
    Musgrave Park
    Attendance: 8,874
    Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
    9 February 2013
    19:45
    Munster Ireland30–3Scotland Edinburgh
    Report[31]
    Musgrave Park
    Attendance: 7,241
    16 February 2013
    18:30
    Scarlets Wales18–10Ireland Munster
    Report[32]
    Parc y Scarlets
    Attendance: 7,124
    Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU)
    24 February 2013
    15:00
    Treviso Italy34–10Ireland Munster
    Report[33]
    Stadio Comunale di Monigo
    Attendance: 2,200
    Referee: Neil Paterson (SRU)
    2 March 2013
    18:30
    Munster Ireland13–13Wales Ospreys
    Report[34]
    Thomond Park
    Attendance: 17,748
    Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
    23 March 2013
    17:45
    Munster Ireland22–0Ireland Connacht
    Report[35]
    Musgrave Park
    Attendance: 8,203
    Referee: Alain Rolland (IRFU)
    29 March 2013
    20:05
    Glasgow Warriors Scotland51–25Ireland Munster
    Report[36]
    Scotstoun Stadium
    Attendance: 5,692
    Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU)
    13 April 2013
    18:30
    Munster Ireland16–22Ireland Leinster
    Report[37]
    Thomond Park
    Attendance: 23,037
    Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
    19 April 2013
    19:00
    Newport Gwent Dragons Wales30–24Ireland Munster
    Report[38]
    Rodney Parade
    Attendance: 7,523
    Referee: Claudio Blessano (FIR)
    3 May 2013
    19:45
    Zebre Italy25–27Ireland Munster
    Report[39]
    Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
    Attendance: 2,500
    Referee: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)

    2012–13 Heineken Cup
    Main article: 2012–13 Heineken Cup

    Pool 1
    Team P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
    England Saracens [4] 650118076+1041562123
    Ireland Munster [8] 640213373+601442220
    France Racing Métro 6303103125−227110012
    Scotland Edinburgh 600636178−142318000
    13 October 2012
    14:35
    Racing Métro 92 France22–17Ireland Munster
    Report[40]
    Stade de France
    Attendance: 21,102
    Referee: Greg Garner (RFU)
    21 October 2012
    12:45
    Munster Ireland33–0Scotland Edinburgh
    Report[41]
    Thomond Park
    Attendance: 22,146
    Referee: Wayne Barnes (RFU)
    8 December 2012
    18:00
    Munster Ireland15–9England Saracens
    Report[42]
    Thomond Park
    Attendance: 25,600
    Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (FFR)
    16 December 2012
    15:00
    Saracens England19–13Ireland Munster
    Report[43]
    Vicarage Road
    Attendance: 15,288
    Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (FFR)
    13 January 2013
    12:45
    Edinburgh Scotland17–26Ireland Munster
    Report[44]
    Murrayfield
    Attendance: 6,220
    Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (FFR)
    20 January 2013
    12:45
    Munster Ireland29–6France Racing Métro 92
    Report[45]
    Thomond Park
    Attendance: 25,600
    Referee: Wayne Barnes (RFU)

    Quarter-final
    7 April 2013
    14:00
    Harlequins England12–18Ireland Munster
    Report[46]
    Twickenham Stoop
    Attendance: 14,810
    Referee: Jérôme Garcès (FFR)

    Semi-final
    27 April 2013
    18:00
    Clermont France16–10Ireland Munster
    Report[47]
    Stade de la Mosson
    Attendance: 31,259
    Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)

    References
    1. "Heineken Cup Pool Draw". Munster Rugby. 12 June 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    2. "Penney and Mannix In". Munster Rugby. 16 July 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    3. "Doug Howlett Named Squad Captain". Munster Rugby. 24 August 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    4. "Defeat Snatched From The Jaws Of Victory ?". Munster Rugby. 14 October 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    5. "End Game Earns Bonus". Munster Rugby. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    6. "Munster Show Their Gritty Side". Munster Rugby. 10 December 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    7. "Munster Lose After Epic Battle". Munster Rugby. 17 December 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    8. "Munster Win In Murrayfield". Munster Rugby. 13 January 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    9. "Munster Go Through". Munster Rugby. 21 January 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    10. "Alone They Stand". Munster Rugby. 8 April 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    11. "Munster Lose A Game Of Two Halves". Munster Rugby. 28 April 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
    12. "O'Gara Calls Time On Outstanding Career". Munster Rugby. 18 May 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
    13. "Injury Forces Howlett To Retire". Munster Rugby. 14 May 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    14. "Comings n Goings". Munster Rugby. 27 June 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    15. "Munster Young Guns Get A French Lesson". Munster Rugby. 13 August 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
    16. "Musgrave Park Win". Munster Rugby. 17 August 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
    17. "Munster Suffer Defeat To London Irish". Munster Rugby. 24 August 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
    18. Competition Rule 3.5 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro12. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
    19. "A Lot To Like About Munster Win". Munster Rugby. 2 September 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    20. "Home Campaign Opens With A Win". Munster Rugby. 8 September 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    21. "Munster Come Up Just Short". Munster Rugby. 15 September 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    22. "Munster Bag The Bonus". Munster Rugby. 23 September 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    23. "Little Consolation In Liberty Loss". Munster Rugby. 30 September 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    24. "Munster's Effort Deserved More". Munster Rugby. 7 October 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    25. "Another Late Show For The Bonus". Munster Rugby. 27 October 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    26. "Laulala's Try Wins It". Munster Rugby. 2 November 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    27. "Munster Salvage Something". Munster Rugby. 25 November 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    28. "Munster Show Their Gritty Side". Munster Rugby. 22 December 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    29. "Munster End Ulster's Run". Munster Rugby. 30 December 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    30. "Munster Leave Empty Handed". Munster Rugby. 5 January 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    31. "Solid Second Half Swings It". Munster Rugby. 10 February 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    32. "Munster's Challenge Wobbles in Wales". Munster Rugby. 17 February 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    33. "Treviso Thumping". Munster Rugby. 24 February 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    34. "Improved Performance". Munster Rugby. 3 March 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    35. "Morale Booster". Munster Rugby. 24 March 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    36. "Munster Lose The Plot And The Game In The Second Half". Munster Rugby. 30 March 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    37. "Munster Edged Out". Munster Rugby. 14 April 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    38. "Close Run Affair In Rodney Parade". Munster Rugby. 20 April 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    39. "Botha Try Seals Win". Munster Rugby. 5 May 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
    40. "Defeat Snatched From The Jaws Of Victory?". Munster Rugby. 14 October 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
    41. "End Game Earns Bonus". Munster Rugby. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
    42. "Munster Show Their Gritty Side". Munster Rugby. 10 December 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
    43. "Munster Lose After Epic Battle". Munster Rugby. 17 December 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
    44. "Munster Win In Murrayfield". Munster Rugby. 13 January 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
    45. "Munster Go Through". Munster Rugby. 21 January 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
    46. "Alone They Stand". Munster Rugby. 8 April 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
    47. "Munster Lose A Game Of Two Halves". Munster Rugby. 28 April 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
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