O'Connell seeks Munster improvement

Munster captain Paul O'Connell is looking to his players to show a distinct improvement on their Magner's League showing against Llanelli Scarlets when they travel to Clermont-Auvergne for their crucial Heineken Cup game on Sunday.

O'Connell said: "While it was a huge boost to get a win (at Llanelli) we know our second-half performance wasn't what was required.

"I thought though that we showed huge character to get back down there after the penalty try and then Rog did the rest as only he can.

"Of course, we'd be realistic, disappointed with that second half but to keep producing performances you have to be emotional and passionate week in, week out and that's a hard thing to do. A very hard thing to do.

"That's why the Magners League is so important. It gives lads the opportunity to put their hands up and I think we've seen that happen in the past few weeks.

"No side in this competition or anywhere could be happy losing the likes of Rua (Tipoki), Denis Hurley, Jerry (Flannery) or (Denis) Leamy on an individual basis, never mind at the same time."