Saracens defeat a ‘learning curve’ for Munster

Jacques Nienaber has rejected criticism of Munster’s Champions Cup semi-final performance against Saracens a fortnight ago, insisting the province was beaten simply by “a better plan”.

Munster’s exit to the defending champions in a humbling 26-10 defeat at Aviva Stadium brought an end to an extended European campign few observers thought was possible at the start of the season.

With Rassie Erasmus joining as director of rugby and bringing fellow South African Nienaber as his defence coach they joined head coach Anthony Foley and assistants Jerry Flannery and Felix Jones to oversee a squad that had only squeaked into this season’s Champions Cup on the final day of the 2015-16 league campaign.