Rugby: Gloucester send Munster message loud and clear

IF GLOUCESTER truly believe the harshest of all European lessons have sunk through the thickest of Kingsholm craniums, round three of an already enthralling confrontation against Munster will test them like no other next weekend.

Forget for a minute their dismemberment at Thomond Park last season easily the most magnificent club rugby occasion of the year and even the significance of their first Premiership victory at Welford Road on Saturday, because the latest Irish invasion will guarantee a level of competition not experienced at Castle Grim this season.

Despite the level of Leicester fallibility that bordered on the criminal they now look a side treading water even with their World Cup winners in tow Gloucester will re-enter the Heineken Cup with confidence, if not necessarily expectations, raised to the limit.