Munster’s inability to create scoring opportunities will be a worry for Rassie Erasmus and his coaching team ahead of their Champions Cup opener against Racing Metro, according to Tony Ward.
Leinster were comfortable winners of the interprovincial derby at the Aviva Stadium, with a late try from Jaco Taute putting a better gloss on a 25-14 scoreline that sees the home side move into second place in the Guinness Pro12.
Isa Nacewa and the returning Peter O’Mahony scored a try apiece in the opening half, though Leinster were guilty of squandering try scoring opportunities as they led by four points at the break.
Munster began the second 40 minutes much brighter, but failed to convert their possession into scores as Nacewa and replacement scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park added two more tries.
In truth Leinster displayed more of a cutting edge, with Johnny Sexton securing a second successive man-of-the-match award with another assured display at 10.
With Garry Ringrose and Nacewa prominent throughout, Rob Kearney impressing on his return and Robbie Henshaw getting his first run out in blue colours, the home side looked full of attacking threats as they now turn attentions to Castres and the Champions Cup.
RTÉ rugby analyst Ward observed that while the commitment of both sides cannot be faulted, it was at times short of the standards expected for both sides.
“Lots of endeavour, poor on quality, but the right result in the end,” he told RTÉ Sport.
“The increase in level of intensity and competitiveness today, even though it has to go to another level next week in the Champions Cup, that will certainly help.”
The two-time European champions have scored the same number of tries as Leinster (19) in the league, but in their first real test of the season, Ward feels their offensive limitations were cruelly exposed and fears for Munster with a daunting trip to the Stade Yves-du-Manoir against the Top 14 champions Racing 92.
“The real negative for Munster is I just don’t see where they are going to create tries from,” he said.
“Against Leinster we were looking at the tried and tested, the up and under box kick from [Conor] Murray, the chase from [Darren] Sweetnam and [Ronan] O’Mahony, all very bread and butter basic tactics.
“I just can’t see where the creativity is going to come from. I think that has to be a huge concern going into the Champions Cup next week.
“I don’t see where the break is coming from, particularly with Francis Saili injured at the moment.
“I think Munster are struggling badly in that area."
