Reds fail to lift gloom

Munster 22 Connacht 6

But it was a performance that failed to lift spirits that were torpedoed with their defeat by Harlequins in the Amlin Challenge Cup the previous week.

A much changed team will no doubt take the field against the Ospreys in the semi-final next Saturday but coach Tony McGahan admitted a vast improvement is essential if there is to be any silverware in the trophy cabinet at the end of the season.