Case for the defence is clear, now Munster must show their teeth

Tries have been hard to come of late but as Exeter pitch up for mouth-watering return, it's time for van Graan's side to cut loose

More to come: Munster's Jack O'Donoghue speaks to the team after last week's narrow first leg defeat in Exeter.  Photo: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

It has been an uplifting week for those with an eye on Munster’s future but it is the here and now that serves as a reminder of current pressures facing the province.

The visit of Exeter Chiefs with a five-point lead at the midway point of a gripping two-legged Heineken Champions knockout tie leaves this contest finely balanced. Munster return to home field at Thomond Park with the promise of a crowd of more than 20,000 to roar them on, buoyed by Tuesday’s announcement that Graham Rowntree had been appointed to succeed Johann van Graan as head coach this summer.