What a confidence booster

ULTIMATELY it was so much easier than even the most optimistic Munster supporter could have hoped for.

With victory achieved, the addition of a vital bonus point in Castres last night now presents the opportunity of topping Pool 1. Sale's home game against Newport Gwent Dragons tomorrow now assumes even more significance.

For a side that has struggled to accumulate points all season, scoring seven tries away from home is a major boost to Munster's confidence. Even before the kick-off the omens were positive when Castres decided to field a distinctly below strength side. Munster punished that decision to the full.

Having won the toss, Munster took the decision to play against a very strong wind. Despite a four-point lead at the break, it was obvious even at that stage that only one side had a real hunger for victory.

Forced to keep the ball in hand playing against the gale, Munster's handling was far superior to anything we have witnessed so far this season. In this respect, the newly constructed midfield partnership of Trevor Halstead and Barry Murphy was excellent throughout as was Ian Dowling, playing in his first Heineken Cup game.

The decision to omit Carl Hoeft and French second-row Lionel Nallet from the Castres front five played right into Munster's hands. The forwards were dominant from the outset, with the rolling maul in particular causing havoc. Such was the power exerted in this facet of play that Castres were left with no option but to continually penalise.

Operating from a solid base, the Munster back row was excellent throughout with captain Anthony Foley and David Wallace outstanding. Paul O'Connell gave another masterful performance and his achievement in scoring four tries in four games since his comeback must be a record for a second-row in the competitive arena.

Castres looked totally out of their depth and when John Kelly scored Munster's third try off a dink through from Ronan O'Gara in the opening sequence of the second half, the game was over as a contest.

One cannot underestimate the confidence that Munster will derive from this victory. The performance of the backline in particular will provide the ideal platform from which to meet the challenge that Sale will present in Thomond Park next week.

Should Sale fail to achieve a bonus point in victory over the Dragons tomorrow, Munster have the opportunity of winning the group outright. Little wonder there was so much excitement in the Munster dressing room afterwards. As the squad returned from France in the early hours of this morning, they can reflect on a job well done.