Leinster knocking on the door with new No. 10

OVER the years, Munster have always had difficulty on the road against Welsh opposition. Given the Ospreys’ lofty position at the top of the Celtic League, yesterday’s duel was always going to be a difficult assignment. And so it proved.

Playing at the Gnoll is like playing on a postage stamp. The claustrophobic atmosphere is geared to intimidate. In the end, Munster's greater experience was responsible for recording a valuable away win.

However, the opening 40 minutes of rugby was the poorest Munster has played for some time. Their performance was characterised by an unusual lack of discipline, which presented the prodigious Gavin Henson with six kickable penalties. Thankfully for Munster, his success ratio of 66% in that period meant Munster reached half-time only three points in arrears. The high penalty count ensured there was little continuity and as a result, despite a large percentage of possession, Munster were unable to exert any control in the first half.