Munster get the job done but big improvement needed

Munster did what they had to do in their 30-5 Champions Cup win over Castres in Thomond Park but will be well aware that serious improvements will be needed for the return leg in France next weekend. 

Despite the result Munster will feel that bonus point was very much there for the taking and but for some inaccuracies in the first half especially, the could have taken maximum points. 

A JJ Hanrahan close range penalty was all Munster had to show for an absorbing opening 20 minutes which saw them dominate territory and possession but some handling errors and a few inaccuracies meant that the Castres try line held firm.

The Castleisland native who was a late replacement for Joey Carbery slotted his second penalty in the 21st minute after Munster had applied some serious pressure on the Castres set piece. 

Johann van Graan would have been especially pleased with the pack as they continued to put the French scrum under pressure but the lineout was proving a problem area albeit in seriously challenging throwing conditions. 

The half would end on a frustrating note as Hanrahan kicked the ball dead when trying to find touch deep in Castres territory. Having enjoyed over 70% of the ball and 80% territory it was scant return. Improvement would be needed in the second half. 

The improvement Munster were looking for came two minutes after emerging from the Murray break off the back of a ruck and offload to Rory Scannell to crash over. Hanrahan added the extras with a phenomenal kick from the right hand touchline.

Munster made it 16-0 with a 57th minute penalty from Hanrahan after Castres were again penalised at the breakdown. The French side needed something to spark then into life as they had offered little in the opening hour. They would get a chance through an attacking line out deep in Munster territory but that was repelled through some resolute Munster defence.

Conor Murray again broke from the base of a ruck, beat two defenders and found CJ Stander on his shoulder. One offload later and Stander was over the linen for Munster’s second try. Hanrahan converted and Munster now held a 23-0 lead.

The result was beyond doubt but the home crowd has bonus point on their minds. Their hopes were bolstered further when a Sam Arnold break and some excellent handling from Rory Scannell and Mathewson put Hanrahan over for Munster’s 3rd try which he converted to make it 30-0 

A late consolation try from Castres from Martin Laveau had no bearing on the result as Munster fans trickled out of the ground. 

The elusive 4th try wouldn’t come and Munster would have to be happy with the 4 match points. Job done but Johann van Graan will know next week will be a very different prospect.