Howlett provides Penney with hope

New Munster coach Rob Penney was stretched to find positives from a highly disappointing opening game of three pre-season friendlies in La Rochelle on Friday night but had one in the form of veteran Doug Howlett.

The jury is out on whether some of Munster’s young guns have done enough to impress the new coaching team and Penney warned they might have to move fast to make up lost ground as French second division side Stade Rochelais hit the new kids for six tries.

The consolation came via a high-quality performance from Howlett whose successful return from long-term injury (Achilles tendon) and the form he showed with limited possession will be a source of satisfaction.