Munster 45 Newport Gwent Dragons 17: Without a full deck, this was a very impressive Munster performance in last night’s Guinness PRO12 clash with Newport Gwent Dragons at Musgrave Park. The bonus point was in the bag at half time and it was enough to maintain their position at the top of the table.

Munster assistant coach Ian Costello yesterday highlighted the importance of keeping Keith Earls and others in the squad to allow the province remain competitive in Europe.

It’s a derby that carries massive weight and ramifications for two provinces desperate to put weeks of disappointment behind them and, belatedly, kick-start a season that for both squads is quickly turning into a season of sorrows.