Coughlan banks on getting basics right

RUGBY is such a simple game, at least according to James Coughlan, as the Munster number eight prepares to practice what he’s preaching at Thomond Park tomorrow.

Tony McGahan’s side may be sitting atop the Heineken Cup Pool One table after three wins from three but so narrow have been the margins in each of those victories over Northampton, Castres and, last week, Scarlets that coaches and players alike know how quickly things can change in the group stages.

That two of those wins were on the road is also of no comfort to Munster and as they prepare for tomorrow’s round four rematch with Scarlets (12.45pm), Coughlan confirmed to the Irish Examiner there has been no let up in preparations ahead of their return to home soil, with last Saturday’s 17-14 success in Wales leaving much room for improvement.