Holland calls on Munster for ‘sustained six-week effort’

COUNT the numbers, do the math and the danger is that Munster could struggle for the duration of the World Cup.

Missing up to a dozen players and despite Ireland’s dismal August run of results, pessimism wasn’t a word readily bandied about in the provincial camps in the run up to this weekend’s RaboDirect Pro 12 inaugural tournament and an opening match for the champions against Newport Gwent Dragons at Musgrave Park (7.45pm).

Yes, Munster will be without a huge number of front liners, yes they will place their faith in 10 youngsters, or some of them at any rate, over the next six weeks. But do they worry unduly? No.