PETER O’Mahony is embarking upon a “big weekend” of gardening – even by his standards.
The rugby legend detailed to his Instagram followers how he intends on adding “the bones of 300 plants” to his beloved garden after removing all of the beds and bulbs.
He’s got a different sort of battle on his hands this weekend[/caption]
The 35-year-old wants to add more ‘spring and summer colours’[/caption]
The back-row veteran was dressed in appropriate garb[/caption]
The vast garden is his pride and joy[/caption]
He remarked how even though he was very early into the process, he noticed “the bees are loving it already” before assuring followers he’d be keeping them abreast over the next 48 hours.
Unfortunately, his weekend is wide open on account of his career with Munster being brought to a painful end last weekend in Durban.
In spite of an almighty effort across 100 minutes, the Reds were knocked out of the URC play-offs at the quarter-final stage by Sharks after a rare (and contentious) penalty shoot-out.
After drawing 24-24, neither side could find a winning score in extra-time.
The game boiled down to kicks from the 15- and 10-metre lines, where Rory Scannell missed his effort.
The Sharks kicked all six of their attempts. It was also Conor Murray, Stephen Archer and Niall Scannell’s last outing for the province.
Afterwards captain Tadhg Beirne conceded: “It’s going to be a weird place next season without the lads.
“They bleed Munster. It’s gutting to end it like this.”
Munster took the lead after nine minutes when Jack Crowley’s cross-field kick bounced up for Calvin Nash to dive over before the out-half added the extras.
The game burst into life after the break and Sharks’ Ethan Hooker cut in from the right, weaving around the Munster defence to score, with Hendrikse converting and then adding a penalty.
Fineen Wycherley squeezed through a gap to cross, with Crowley’s kick successful.
The Reds extended their lead when Sharks were unable to defend Mike Haley’s kick, allowing Diarmuid Kilgallen to pounce.
But Sharks pulled a try back when Aphelele Fassi crossed, with Hendrikse converting.
Fez Mbatha then struck, as Hendrikse again added the extras.
Murray’s monster penalty levelled matters at 24-24 to send the game to extra time.
Beirne added: “I’m massively proud of the boys. We fought to the bitter end.”
Saturday will see Sharks travel to Pretoria to face Bulls in an all-South African affair.
Leinster will host holders Glasgow Warriors at the Aviva Stadium in the other final four match-up.
