Toulouse still set the gold standards

Irish attitudes towards French opposition in Europe have changed markedly, but a healthy respect remains for Guy Noves’ Toulouse, writes Ronan O'Gara.

BACK in the day, we would sit under the old stand at Thomond Park in pre-season and map out our goals. Some were silly and stupid. “Win every game”, someone would offer. “Don’t lose at home” was a regular.

But “win in France” had a status as a team goal for Munster that was as much cherished as it seemed to be elusive.