Data in tune with the upbeat Munster mood music

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE: Gavin Coombes leads the charge as Fineen Wycherley braces for impact during Munster squad training at Thomond Park. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Munster have the perfect scenario to engineer an immediate rebound in Northampton on Sunday following their opening-round defeat to Toulouse and it is not very often anyone could say that about a trip to Franklin’s Gardens.

Yet despite the pain of losing at Thomond Park last Sunday, Graham Rowntree’s players will have arrived in the English midlands with confidence still high and the firm belief that the momentum which began with that season-turning victory over South Africa A five weeks ago will not be derailed by the 18-13 loss to the five-time champions.