Downey expects positive response

James Downey is confident Munster’s youngsters will react positively to the challenge ahead under new coach Rob Penney.

In the first of three pre-season friendlies, the young guns were blitzed by French second division side Stade Rochelais last Friday.

However, with Downey back in the Munster colours after a prolonged spell with Northampton, he hopes it will be the start of something wonderful.

“I think it was a first run out for everyone and there was a lot of new caps there as well,” he said.

“It is a tough place to come. La Rochelle had a few games behind them.

“We were trying to implement Rob’s new game plan.

“It is going to take a while. It might take a few weeks, but we have to stick to it and go along with it. It’ll happen, we just have to trust our abilities.”

But when they analyse that video evidence Penney will be given plenty of areas to improve from the 31-7 loss.

Downey won’t have to be told how much is needed though. He acknowledged the defence will need to be much tighter but felt the attacking unit is close to clicking “one or two more phases and the holes we were looking for would have opened up”.

Downey also figures the arrival of Penney and assistant coach Simon Mannix will be just what Munster needs to get a Heineken Cup challenge back on the road. And his prediction for the season?

“Tough ask, of course; it is a difficult draw in the Heineken Cup. But I think we are a tough side and we see Munster over the last few years were always regarded as a very hard to beat.”