Donal Lenihan: Time for Munster's next generation to take the wheel

Munster have sufficient emerging talent within their squad to progress further next season if Graham Rowntree succeeds in building a competent, hungry and knowledgeable coaching team around him

Jack O'Donoghue of Munster. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

THE contrast between the teams in Belfast last Friday night was plain for all to see. One side haunted by the reality of defeat, the other liberated by the exhilaration of victory. A week on from their respective Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 experiences, Ulster and Munster occupied a different space.

It was far more than a routine United Rugby Championship clash. It was all about putting down a statement as to where the respective squads sat at a crucial time in the season.