IT’S a busy run-in for the rugby season with a series of important fixtures at club and international level.
Top of the list is Ireland against bottom team Wales in the Six Nations Championship at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Friday, kick-off 8.10pm.
The home outfit are heavily backed and it is unthinkable that Andy Farrell’s side would go into the final fixture against Scotland the following week without a sizeable win here.
France in Scotland on Saturday will be an interesting fixture.
Meanwhile, it was with huge relief that Munster got the better of Zebre in the URC at a chilly Thomond Park at the weekend.
Munster started with some conviction and led early on 7-0.
After that I have seldom seen such unnecessary errors in the first half at this level with both sides guilty of a high level of knock-ons, spills and lack of cohesion.
The 12,500 attendance were not impressed, and it took the arrival of the popular and powerful Edwin Edogbo to lift their spirits.
He certainly deserved the applause.
Munster held on, but it was a pity that they did not get a four-try bonus point.
The province are now facing a difficult list of fixtures, with testing challenges in South Africa against Sharks (March 21) and Bulls (March 28).
It’s a disappointment that Munster are set to lose Mike Prendergast.
Commented Munster general manager Ian Costello: “Both Mike’s coaching and his character have had a profound impact on our environment, and he played a key role in some of our most memorable moments in recent years, including our URC title win.”
“Mike will always be a proud, passionate Munster man and he leaves with the utmost respect and admiration of all the players and staff. We wish Mike and his family every success and happiness in their next chapter.”