The system has failed JJ Hanrahan

IT’S been a testing week for the Munster set-up despite that bonus point win over Zebre, writes Donal Lenihan. 

Given that it comes against the backdrop of a win-or-bust European outing against Saracens in north London on Saturday, the timing of JJ Hanrahan’s announced departure to Northampton is unfortunate.

Then again, its Munster we’re talking about here. Backs to the wall, chip on the shoulder, under attack from all corners — it’s the type of scenario that usually results in an all encompassing, belt-and-braces performance. To beat Saracens — that is exactly what Munster will have to produce.