Jacques Nienaber’s army: Conor Murray makes case for Munster defence

Munster may be looking to go on the offensive when Racing 92 roll into Thomond Park this evening but Conor Murray has credited defence coach Jacques Nienaber for turning his side’s ‘D’ into an A-plus project.

The province has reached the Champions Cup quarter-finals with a game to spare having won four of their five games to top Pool 1. Their success this season has been built as much on defensive strength as offensive might, conceding just three tries in those fixtures.

That gives Munster the best defensive record in the competition as they go in search of a win that will guarantee a home quarter-final and Murray believes it is South African Nienaber’s approach since arriving in the summer alongside director of rugby Rassie Erasmus that has reaped huge dividends.