Munster still smarting, but re-building process begins

THE faithful filing out of Thomond Park on Saturday night were not exactly humming “Happy Days Are Here Again” but the gloom hanging over Munster rugby of late has been at least partially lifted.

After the horrors of Toulon the previous Sunday, it would not have taken much but there were distinct signs from a chastened and determined Munster outfit that last weekend's abject defeat in the south of France would not be the starting point of a slide into futility.

An improved scrum, much better discipline and considerably more direction than that displayed at Stade Mayol were the plus points on afternoon when longer-term issues were put on hold for the sake of preserving a proud record at Thomond Park.