Redemption for Reds as old guard rise to the challenge

REDEMPTION, vindication, satisfaction. Munster were entitled to savour all three emotions after what has been a difficult season ended on a high with this Magners League Grand Final success over newly-minted Heineken Cup winners Leinster.

A week after Leinster swathed Cardiff indelibly in blue following the mother of all comebacks to beat Northampton and claim a second European title in three seasons, Munster re-established Thomond Park as a red fortress with a rousing and thoroughly deserved victory.

Leinster were fatigued, just as Northampton had been by their previous exploits, but just as the Saints were outgunned in that second half at the Millennium Stadium, so too were Joe Schmidt’s side this past weekend for long sections of both periods.