Why Munster need sprinkle of stardust

ON THE face of it, an outstanding weekend for the Irish in Europe. However, while Ulster in particular, Leinster and Connacht have every reason to reflect with satisfaction on their performances, one feels that despite Munster’s 16 point win over Gloucester, nobody within the camp will be getting too carried away with this latest showing.

When Paul O’Connell conceded a needless penalty for diving into a ruck from the side as he did early in the second-half, you just sensed his frustration. It was a feeling shared by the vast majority in the crowd. Munster were clearly the stronger force but made life difficult for themselves making that superiority count.

Once the two teams were announced for this must-win contest from a Munster perspective, you felt there would only be one winner. The changes that Rob Penney made up front not only added steel, ball-winning and ball-carrying ability, but also a greater understanding of how to smother any semblance of quick ball at the breakdown.