Donal Lenihan: Toulouse stir patience and poise into powerful mix

The big worry was the quality the visitors held in reserve on the bench. With that in mind, it was key for Munster to hit the ground running from the outset, which they managed to do.

TRY: Munster's Joey Carbery crashes over for the opening try at Thomond park.

Maybe it’s something to do with their famous red shirts but, from day one in European competition, Munster have held Toulouse in a special place.

The feeling is mutual, something you mightn’t have anticipated after the first meeting between the sides. To be in the Stade Ernest-Wallon for that inaugural encounter back in November 1996, when Munster were blown away by 60-19, you wouldn’t have envisaged Munster ever competing on equal terms.