Rowntree: 'We are the world's specialists at leaving ourselves a tough job'

They will go into the trip to Toulon’s Stade Felix-Mayol in fifth place on the six-team pool table, six points behind leaders Exeter and second-placed Northampton, both of whom have won two from two.

MAKING LIFE DIFFICULT: Munster captain Tadhg Beirne after his side's defeat in the Investec Champions Cup Pool 3 Round 2 match against Exeter Chiefs. Pic:  Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Graham Rowntree declared Munster the “world leaders” in make life difficult for themselves after defeat in Exeter left them with a difficult path to the Champions Cup knockout rounds.

Munster’s self-inflicted 32-24 defeat at Exeter Chiefs yesterday has left the URC champions with just three points from two matches, having been held to a draw at home by Bayonne in the opening round. Now they have it all to do with two matches remaining after Christmas, a trip to Toulon on January 13 followed by the visit of Northampton Saints to Thomond Park seven days later.