Manic Munster refuse to give an inch to French visitors

Dan Carter looked a little shook when forced to depart the scene early in the second half, having taken a knock on the knee early in the contest. Manic days in Limerick tend to have that effect on even the best of players, writes Donal Lenihan.

You’ve heard about it, seen it on television, but to fully appreciate the Thomond Park factor on a raucous European day out, you have to experience it in the flesh.

Munster’s new head coach Johaan van Graan spent last week in Limerick observing Munster’s preparation for this key game from a respectful distance, along with meeting the key personnel in the playing and management group. Hopefully he liked what he saw.