Foley: We need a performance worthy of the jersey

Munster head coach Anthony Foley says his side must put in a stand-up-and-fight type of performance this weekend as the big inter-provincial derby looms.

The squad are in Dublin ahead of Saturday’s Guinness Pro 12 game against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.

Lady luck hasn’t appeared to be smiling at Munster in the early stages of the season, with two losses at Thomond Park already after four games, coming at the hands of Edinburgh and Ospreys.

In the height of Foley’s playing career with the red province, losses at Thomond Park was something that was a rarity and when it did happen, there was enough fire in the bellies for it not to happen again.

Munster’s decline over the years under Tony McGahon and Rob Penney has been reflected in the Munster hero’s start to life as the main at the province with poor performances, which has had a direct impact on attendances at the ground once renowned as the most intimidating Rugby ground in Europe.

Slowly but surely it seems that accolade is being taken away from the Limerick venue.

Foley stresses that his side won’t beat Leinster dwelling on the past.

“You can’t go in there beating your chest, roaring and shouting.” Foley said. “It may have got the job done decades ago but there’s too many quality players out there (now)…We need to understand where we need to play the game, manage it and where we need to go out and attack.

“If we can manage all of that and kick our points when they are on offer it will put us in a good position. We’ve come off a loss but guys have come in in good form and they know what’s ahead of them.”

“We are looking forward to making sure we have everything ticked off and hopefully on Saturday we can put in a performance that’s worthy of the Munster jersey.”