Foley: Nothing focuses mind like European Cup

Munster head coach Anthony Foley is expecting this week’s training to crank up several degrees as his players’ attentions turn towards the European Rugby Champions Cup and an opening game at Sale Sharks.

Foley believes his squad and their performances are building nicely after a slow start to the season, a feeling reinforced by last Friday night’s Guinness Pro12 victory over Scarlets at Thomond Park.

The 17-6 success may not have had the intensity of the previous Saturday’s derby win over Leinster at the Aviva Stadium but coming off a six-day turnaround and with nine changes to his starting line-up, Foley was satisfied with the way his players reversed some sloppy home performances in September to move into the top four of the league table.