Munster travelled to Welford Road today to clash with the Leicester Tigers. After last week's 33-10 win, the game was a must-win for a Tigers side boasting the return of Manu Tuilagi.
In the aftermath of the first leg, Tigers' coach Matt O'Connor was less than impressed with the referee's performance. Bafflingly, Tigers emerged today and once again proved hugely ill-disciplined, conceding a striking 11 penalties in the first half alone. Despite a strong start from a visibly fired up Tigers, Munster remained calm and had a superb day with the set-piece.
Games like this and the resulting pressure can sometimes result in a malfunction with one of a team's foundations, either at scrum, line-out or off the tee. Munster were peerless from all three.
15. Simon Zebo - 6
Had a very quiet afternoon, but didn't do much wrong either. Promising break right after half-time and a good covering tackle at the finish.
14. Darren Sweetnam - 7
At error when covering the backfield for Munster's opening try, either didn't trust Murray to make the tackle or was sold by Matt Tait's dummy. Games like this ensure chances are rare out wide but when given the opportunity was good with ball in hand. 4 defenders beaten, the most by any Munster player.
13. Sam Arnold - 6
Never got the chance to cut loose in the same way as last week and will be very disappointed with his 4 missed tackles, but made some big hits too and did not look out of place against the powerful Tuilagi.
12. Rory Scannell - 7
Rory Scannell has one of the best passing ranges of any player in Irish rugby. The Dolphins' man was a willing ball-carrier and covered well after a threatening Johnny May break. On current form, Scannell is posing serious questions for a call-up to the Irish squad.
11. Alex Wootton - 7
Needless kick through which was blocked in the first-half when Munster looked to be gaining momentum. Despite that Wootton's kick-chase is constantly brilliant and was crucial to Keatley's second last penalty that pushed them six points clear. Had two superb kicks from hand to make up for the initial one.
10. Ian Keatley - 8
Had a shaky start that in times past would have instigated a meltdown but pinged a stunning 60-yard penalty into the corner to put things right and enjoyed a successful afternoon off the tee. Finished with 20 points.
9. Conor Murray - 8
This has become the standard rating for Murray. The scrum-half was terrific from hand and boot, kept pillars honest and bossed his pack expertly. Munster never panicked and a large reason for that was Murray's cool head.
1. Dave Kilcoyne - 7
4/4 in the scrum for Munster on their own ball and also won one against the head. Kilcoyne has recently spoken about the weight he has gained after a few hard months in the gym and in power terms, it showed.
2. Kevin O’Byrne - 9
Against Racing 92 last October Munster endured a mixed line-out performance until the 60th minute, when Kevin Byrne came on and hit every throw. Once again today the line-out was magnificent. In the context of his first European cup start, O'Bryne's performance was exceptional, contributed six runs as well.
3. Stephen Archer - 7
Munster's line-out looks exceptionally mobile, perhaps boosted by two fantastic jumpers in the back-row. Archer's lifting and scrummaging was flawless. John Ryan was brought on early in the second-half and contributed more in open play, something Archer may need to develop.
4. Jean Kleyn - 7
A lot was made of Munster's lack of second-row options after the departure of Donnacha Ryan and a spell of injuries. The two they started with today are more than capable of going up against any second-row partnership in Europe.
5. Billy Holland - 8
In danger of being underappreciated due to the brilliant performances elsewhere, but Holland was outstanding today. An exhibition in lock play. Holland's body position in the scrum was flawless which clearly contributed to a brilliant effort, his rucking is furious and he was even successful attempting a steal at the break-down when he won a big penalty.
6. Peter O’Mahony (Captain) - 9
His role in the second try should not be forgotten, a superb jump and then pass back to allow Murray collect and loop around. Not only that, his effort defensively in the line-out made Tom Youngs' day very difficult. He never had to prove it but in case there was any doubt, O'Mahony is worth every penny he secured with his new contract last week.
7. Chris Cloete - 8
Munster really have an embarrassment of riches in the back-row. Cloete proved again that he was a superb signing, returning 36 metres off five carries.
8. CJ Stander - 9
Stander contributed an eye-watering 19 runs. That is nine more than any other Munster player. His return was 42 metres, which can be deceiving. Stander's carries are rarely in open field, they are one-off crashes up that repeatedly break the gain line and suck in defenders. He was also magnificent in the line-out.
Replacements - 7
A really silly infringement from John Ryan immediately after coming on proved costly. However, the entire front row was replaced with no drop off at scrum or line-out. Jack O'Donoghue also forced a huge turnover with a big hit.
This was a magnificent weekend for Irish rugby. For the second week in a row, it's 4/4 wins in Europe. Munster's success is all the more impressive given the upheaval at coaching level and a long list of injuries. With Keith Earls' return imminent, Munster fans can start to get excited about the upcoming year.
