Penney drops for Munster

Munster got themselves up and running with this pre-season friendly victory over English second-tier opposition last night but for new head coach Rob Penney there was more than a hint of running before they have learned to walk as he tries to stamp his template on the province’s game.

With two games down in pre-season and final run-out scheduled against Premiership big guns London Irish back here at Musgrave Park next Friday, Penney can see the outline of his gameplan for expansive, intelligent and physical running rugby beginning to take shape.

He also understands that there will be teething problems encountered en route to the finished product and last night’s three tries to nil victory over Championship side Bristol offered glimpses of both.