Van Graan: We’ve work to do to reach Leinster level

A derby defeat at home is enough to darken the mood but Munster captain Peter O’Mahony and his head coach Johann van Graan know that Leinster have provided the benchmark to which they will have to measure up if this season is to be a success.

A deeply disappointing first-half performance on St Stephen’s Day as Munster ceded a 27-5 lead to their arch rivals sucked the Christmas cheer out of a sell-out Thomond Park on a bitterly cold late afternoon in Limerick and though Munster rallied to 27-19 shortly after the interval, Leinster’s own resilience married to the attacking verve of academy full-back Jordan Larmour consigned O’Mahony’s side to a first defeat since van Graan’s arrival in November.

There was the cold comfort of a try bonus point but the 10-point margin of defeat gives Munster plenty to ponder ahead of the New Year’s day trip to Ulster.