Satisfaction for now, perfection a long way off

THERE was an element of satisfaction about the end result when a fitful performance but deserved victory at Thomond Park on Saturday night guaranteed Munster will stay top of the Magners League at least until St. Stephen’s Day.

Munster can now confidently throw everything into a make-or-break Heineken Cup double fixture with the Ospreys over the coming fortnight, even if the dress rehearsal played in biting cold and late freezing fog didn’t quite delight coach Tony McGahan.

McGahan’s rating of three from 10 for his charges appears harsh, but then he is in the business of perfection and something close to perfection might be required over the coming days.