Coughlan relieved to overcome Italian hurdle

Man of the match James Coughlan admitted that Munster’s 29-11 win over Treviso in Thomond Park last night was a much needed return to form after last week’s disappointing loss to Ulster.

It took a 76th minute Simon Zebo try to clinch the four-try bonus point for McGahan’s men who endured a tough eighty minutes against a powerful Treviso outfit that eventually ran out of steam in the second half.

Having been humbled by Brian McLaughlin’s Ulster side in Ravenhill a week ago, Coughlan admitted a return to winning ways was vital.

“I think it was a massive step forward from last week,” he told RTE Sport.

“ We felt we left ourselves down a bit last week against Ulster in the set piece and our phase play wasn’t great but I think we’ve set out a marker now for next week and the week after so we’re very happy with the five points.”

The number 8 touched down for his team’s third try after impressive scores from Neil Ronan and Keith Earls but Coughlan wasn’t willing to take all the credit for his five-pointer which came off the back of a powerful Munster scrum.

“I think the seven fellas in front of me did most of the work to be honest.

“When you’re that close to the line you have to help them out a small bit so I was happy to get in.”

Next on the agenda for Munster is a Thomond Park showdown against Castres on Saturday followed by a visit to the Northampton Saints marking a massive two weeks for the province.

While Coughlan knows the upcoming European fixtures could make or break the season, he insists last night’s bonus point win provides the squad with some much needed peace of mind as the PRO12 takes a break.

“If we win our next two games we’re in a home quarterfinal and that’s where we want to be, so it’s a massive push for the next two weeks.

“It’s important (to get the five points), we need to keep it ticking over. I checked the league this morning we were fourth, so that’ll push us back up to where we want to be and gives us a target for when we come back after the break.”