Billy Holland: Positivity is key for Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus

Munster players have spent all summer adapting to life under new director of rugby Rassie Erasmus but with the season now underway there is still room for the odd surprise, not least in the parties’ opposing reactions to the weekend home defeat.

The narrow 24-23 loss in Cork last Friday night which followed an opening-round Guinness Pro12 win at Scarlets was greeted with plenty of perspective and positive thinking from an upbeat Erasmus, somewhat at odds with the distaste experienced by many of the players, including captain Billy Holland.

The immediate aftermath of a reverse like last Friday’s is not generally a moment for calm reflection, particularly in a home dressing room yet Holland was taken aback by the reaction by Erasmus and fellow South African Jacques Nienaber, the new defence coach.