Breathing space gives Munster time to develop attacking game

CHRISTMAS arrived a week early for the Irish provinces in Europe with Leinster, Munster and Ulster all topping their respective pools, while Connacht were within four minutes of recording a first Heineken Cup victory.

Mon, 19 Dec, 2011 - 00:00

Donal Lenihan

A rugby player, coach and manager during a glittering career with Munster, Ireland and the Lions and now a definitive voice in Irish rugby analysis and commentary.

A lack of composure cost the westerners dearly after competing magnificently against the odds at a highly charged Kingsholm. Instead of celebrating a historic win in the competition, Eric Elwood’s men were left to contemplate a record 10th successive defeat for the province. Their efforts deserve so much more than that.

Wins for Leinster and for Ulster over Aironi in northern Italy on Saturday put the pressure on Munster to make it a table-topping treble for the Irish over the weekend as they entertained a Scarlets outfit determined to show their stunning bonus point win at Franklin’s Gardens over Northampton in round two was no aberration.