A sizeable test looms of Munster's growing confidence

It was not long ago that the idea of the mighty Toulouse arriving fully loaded at Thomond Park would have instilled dread in the hearts of Munster supporters

Sat, 10 Dec, 2022 - 11:40

Simon Lewis

It was not long ago that the idea of the mighty Toulouse arriving fully loaded at Thomond Park would have instilled dread in the hearts of Munster supporters. Successive Heineken Champions Cup knockout defeats in consecutive seasons on Irish soil were one thing but the deeply disappointing early-season form of their side under the new coaching ticket was a serious cause for concern.

Simply qualifying for next season’s competition through the BKT URC seemed a long shot after just two victories in the opening seven games, never mind making a fist of this year’s European campaign. While those concerns still remain with half of the 18-game regular league season in the books, Munster have at least managed to start winning again and in a manner which suggests there is much more to come in terms of realising the obvious potential of a relatively young but highly talented group of players under new head coach Graham Rowntree’s charge.