Donal Lenihan: International window perfectly timed to take spotlight off Munster

A Munster victory against the All Blacks XV side would only have papered over the cracks at the province. 

GRUDGE MATCH: Ireland face an All Blacks side on Friday no longer looking life the invincible team of old. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

For all kinds of reasons, this international window could not be better timed. Right now, given the fallout from the Rowntree affair, it’s impossible go anywhere without being interrogated about what’s going on behind the scenes in Munster.

At the very least, it serves to highlight just how invested people here are in the welfare of the province and their desire to see the team perform to its best. The game against the All Blacks XV last Saturday proved a welcome distraction but, in the longer term, is completely irrelevant.