Duncan Casey: Denis Leamy's fingerprints all over new Munster belligerence

Northampton were one-dimensional in what they offered in attack but not only did Munster match them in the collision zone, they dominated them physically throughout

GOING NOWHERE: Northampton Saints’ Angus Scott-Young (centre) is brought to a halt by Munster’s Alex Kendellen and Craig Casey in Sunday’s Champions Cup match at Franklin’s Gardens. Pic: Joe Giddens/PA Wire

Four weeks ago I wrote how Munster supporters needed to show some patience while the new men at the helm find their feet. Things were looking bleak – two wins from seven from the opening block of URC games and what looked like an uphill battle to qualify for next season’s Champions Cup. I was sure things would come good eventually but thought it would take a while.

A month on and things look different. Three wins out of four in a crucial run of fixtures, with the only loss being a five-point defeat to a Toulouse side who are sure to be there or thereabouts at the business end of their domestic and European campaigns. In fact, that was a game they could and probably should have won.