Five things for Anthony Foley to ponder

1. How do they rediscover their ruthless edge?

Failing to make the most of chances has cost Munster in their last two fixtures and, as they prepare to head into a European double header against Leicester Tigers, it’s something Foley will need to put right.

Twice against the Dragons his side crossed the whitewash through Simon Zebo and Gonzalez Amorosino but failed to come away with a try. Their only try against Connacht the previous week came from hooker Niall Scannell.

Foley will need to get his backline firing again if they are to have any hope of progressing in Europe.

2. Players need to take their chances.

Foley made no secret of his unhappiness with players who had come into the side but failed to make the most of their opportunity and he will be looking for individuals to step up over the coming weeks.

The likes of Tyler Bleyendaal, the much-talked about former New Zealand U20 captain, who came on for the final quarter against the Dragons, missed a penalty from in front of the posts which would have brought the game level. He made little impact for the remainder of the game.

With resources stretched, Foley needs to be sure he can put players into big games and not be let down.

3. How many changes can he make for Leicester?

Foley launched a stern defence of his decision to make ten changes for the trip to Rodney Parade but his side looked far from a cohesive unit against a fired-up Dragons outfit.

With the likes of Conor Murray (foot), Donnacha Ryan (rib), BJ Botha (concussion), and Andrew Conway and Jack O’Donoghue (both illness) unavailable, the Munster boss will be desperate to add some experience back into his side for next weekend’s pivotal game at Thomond Park.

4. Restoring confidence is key

The first defeat to Connacht at Thomond Park in 29 years clearly had an effect on Munster because they looked rattled from the start against the Dragons. Foley’s squad will need to pick themselves up — and quickly — if they are to beat Leicester because they simple cannot afford to get off to a slow start in the Champions Cup.

Leicester equalled the biggest comeback in their 135-year history as they clawed their way from 17-0 after 35 minutes to beat Worcester Warriors 29-20 on Saturday so they will be full of confidence going into the double-header.

5. Can they get Thomond Park rocking?

After the defeat against the Dragons, the attention quickly turned to next week’s game against Leicester where Munster have got to make the home advantage count before the return fixture at Welford Road.

Foley was quick to acknowledge the importance of a big crowd at Thomond Park but also the responsibility of the players to lift the home support. He admitted the crowd have helped get his side over the line at times this season but they will need to produce the sort of rugby that’s been missing in recent weeks to lift the home support and make Thomond Park a fortress.