Sparkling Connacht stars pose questions for Munster fans

Stunned Munster supporters watching their side forfeit a 13 point lead and eventually lose 24-16 to the hosts departed the Galway Sportsground on Thursday night wondering how Connacht were able to draft in such influential players as All Black legend Mils Muliaina and another Kiwi, Bundee Aki, while their own side have to settle for virtual unknowns from the Southern Hemisphere.

Not only that but Connacht coach Pat Lam is one of the most respected in the game and will be well-known to Munster fans for the role he played in the Heineken Cup final defeat to Northampton Saints in 2000.

Whereas Muliaina has represented New Zealand 100 times and Aki arrived in Galway having scored ten tries in the 2013/’14 campaign with the Chiefs in Super Rugby, Munster in comparison acquired Andrew Smith from the Brumbies in Australia and South African Pat Howard on a short term contract from Western Province. It certainly is a far cry from the days when the Reds attracted high profile names like Christian Cullen, Jim Williams and Jean De Villiers.