Munster coach Declan Kidney believes winning the Heineken Cup is becoming a tougher proposition match by match, despite the kingpins of Irish rugby being just one of five sides boasting a 100% record in this year's competition. Kidney, who has masterminded wins over Castres, Harlequins and Bridgend, insisted : "The quality of the matches in the Heineken Cup is getting better and better. There is more familiarity between the clubs and that has brought the scorelines down. It's a much tighter competition these days and that is why I'm so pleased that we toughed it out at Bridgend."
Even though his side, runners-up in 2000 and semi-finalists last season, were forced to grind out a 16-12 away win at Bridgend on Friday night, they sit on top of Pool 4 with two away wins to their credit. And he has a chilling message for the rest of his rivals for the Heineken Cup title - "we're getting better and better". He added: "I think we are getting better as a team. It's such a long season it is sometimes difficult to see the improvement game by game, but we are definitely improving. I was absolutely delighted with our win at Bridgend because we hadn't been together for three weeks and there were a lot of tired bodies following the two Irish Six Nations matches. Bridgend could have won the game and they will be a real threat when we meet again at Musgrave Park at the weekend. All they need is a win to boost their confidence."
The Welshmen pushed Munster all the way at the Brewery Field and if their outside half Craig Warlow had not missed two easy penalties in the second half they might have pinched it. But resolute defence, great spirit and two first-half tries did the trick for Mighty Munster as they finally gave their 1,000 travelling fans something to sing about.
But Kidney has warned his players the job is only half done and knows that Munster must maintain their bright start if they are to qualify for the knockout stages. He stressed: "We've got to win all three of our remaining games to be certain of qualifying for the quarter-finals. That's the aim, but we know that Bridgend will be a tough nut to crack next weekend."
Filed by Shane Murray
