Reasons why: Munster have waited too long for one of these away days

The return of Niall Scannell at hooker and Peter O’Mahony brought some assurance to a Munster lineout that has creaked more than somewhat this season

THRILLED: Munster's Calvin Nash and Craig Casey celebrate after the game

Artillery coming over the hill

After weeks of dealing with the bare minimum in terms of playing resources as injuries escalated with each match, Graham Rowntree finally got some breathing space when Niall Scannell, Alex Nankivell, Peter O’Mahony and Joey Carbery all became available for this trip to France. Their timing was immaculate and their impact substantial as a more settled side benefitted from a considerable uptick in the sort of experience necessary for a visit to Stade Mayol.