MUNSTER are four wins from as many starts in the URC after Saturday night’s brilliant 31-14 demolition of deadly rivals Leinster at Croke Park.
The outcome also ended a run of four defeats in this fixture for The Reds.
First half tries from Brian Gleeson, Tom Farrell, and Ethan Coughlan which were all converted by Man of the Match Jack Crowley set Munster on their way to a famous win.
However, it was the determined, belligerent defensive effort throughout the 80 minutes, but particularly in the second half, which kept Leinster at bay before a penalty try secured the full complement of five points.
“I thought it was outstanding,” head coach McMillan said of his side’s defence in the post-match interview.
“You can look into the heart and soul of a team, I think, by the way that they’re prepared to fight for each other and defend.
“Leinster are a quality side and they put us under a huge amount of pressure, they just keep standing up, and get over a couple of times, but even just the smarts to roll underneath and keep them off the ground. All of those little bits were very pleasing.”
He concluded: “The barometer or the line in the sand has been drawn now, and we have just got to keep fighting to be at that level.”
Munster: Shane Daly; Andrew Smith (Nankivell 10’), Tom Farrell, Dan Kelly, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Ethan Coughlan (Patterson 57’ Hanrahan 77’); Michael Milne (Loughman 53’), Diarmuid Barron (L Barron 40’), John Ryan (Foxe 63’); Edwin Edogbo (Kleyn 40’), Fineen Wycherley; Tadhg Beirne, catpain (HIA Ryan 65’), Jack O’Donoghue, Brian Gleeson (Coombes 36’).
Replacements: Lee Barron, Jeremy Loughman, Ronan Foxe, Jean Kleyn, Gavin Coombes, Paddy Patterson, JJ Hanrahan, Alex Nankivell.
