Opposition Watch

On Saturday night, when Ospreys coach Sean Holley and his counterpart Tony McGahan were asked at separate stages, what bearing the Magners League encounter wuuld have come their December meeting, one echoed the other with the same “Absolutely nothing” response.

On Saturday, Holley, one of the most affable and honest coaches in the business, didn't put a tooth in it when he called his side's performance, ' bitterly disappointing and not what we expected of ourselves.

“I thought it was a very professional display on their (Munster) part. We lost the race at the tackle area. They were far too streetwise for us.” 

By the time they return to Limerick for the Heineken Round 3 game, they'll have entertained a London Irish side who yesterday recorded a 23-16 win over Gloucester at the Madejski Stadium, a win that settles them into second place in the League table, three points off the leaders Northampton Saints.

Just over 8,000 watched that performance, half of what turned up to Thomond Park Stadium to watch Munster down the Ospreys.

Another milestone was achieved on Friday night in Belfast when the  5 million mark was passed for attendance at Magners League matches.

Meanwhile, the other side who will contest Pool 3, Toulon, were in action yesterday when 23 points from the boot of Jonny Wilkinson helped them to a 28-16 win over champions Clermont Auvergne.