Derby defeat hits Munster hard

A THUNDEROUS, niggly, high-octane Magners League derby at a sold-out RDS confirmed the most consistent team in the Magners League towards ultimate honours but, for Munster, the loss to their greatest rivals might have come at a huge cost.

The Saracens game is just 13 days away but, even at this early stage, Declan Kidney must be sweating over the fitness of experienced half-back pairing, Ronan O’Gara and Peter Stringer, both of whom picked up injuries in a feisty derby that the home side deserved to win.

O’Gara twisted a knee at a ruck, just before half time and, though he walked unaided off the field and was replaced by Paul Warwick, Stringer was stretchered off in the 58th minute, his neck in a brace and removed to the nearby St Vincent’s hospital.