Zebo says Munster ‘buzzing’ again

Munster winger Simon Zebo admitted the squad was buzzing after Sunday’s 33-0 Heineken Cup victory over Edinburgh in Thomond Park which brought an end a three-match losing streak.

The result lifts Munster to second place in Pool 1, just three points behind Saracens who have made an impressive start to their European campaign, taking nine points from a potential 10 in the opening two rounds.

While Sunday’s bonus point could prove crucial, Zebo revealed that on the back of defeats to Ospreys, Leinster and Racing Metro, Munster simply wanted to return to winning ways against Michael Bradley’s Edinburgh.

“There’s a great buzz around the changing room now,” he said. “Everyone seems to be happy out with the victory. It’s always great to get a bonus point and get the fans up cheering for us.

“To be honest, from the start all we wanted to do was win, to make sure we got back on winning terms because winning is a habit and we need to make that consistent.

“To get the bonus point at the end was brilliant. It’s a bonus for us and we’re delighted.”

The result capped a positive weekend all round for the province after brothers Ronan and Barry O’Mahony got on the scoresheet for Munster ‘A’ in the British and Irish Cup on Saturday, helping Ian Costello’s side to a 19-11 win over Welsh side Aberavon.

Defending champions, Munster ‘A’ are now two wins form two in the Cup and they sit in second place in Pool 7, just one point behind leaders Rotherham Titans.

Zebo believes the squad’s ability to impress in both competitions proves the strength in depth Munster currently enjoy.

“The whole squad is moving well now.

“There’s a great feel to the training, even though we came off the back of a couple of losses everybody’s been motoring on and kept driving it on.

“It just shows the quality and depth in our squad with the ‘A’s going out and putting on a great show yesterday and we were just happy we could add to that and make it a good weekend.”

The Cork Constitution flyer believes the Thomond Park faithful played their part in the late onslaught on Sunday and, having gained ground on Pool leaders Saracens, insists the players are licking their lips in anticipation of the crucial back-to-back meetings with the Premiership outfit in December.

“Coming out after half-time, we needed a lift because we were just waiting to kick on and the crowd were absolutely unbelievable. The Thomond factor is definitely back and alive and kicking so it’s great to be a part of it out there.

“We’ve closed the gap (on Saracens) which is key going into the break now so when we come back we’ll be into that double-header, which will be exciting and something we’ll be looking forward to.”