The narrative going into tonight's clash between Connacht and Munster was of two sides near the bottom of the URC table, both in desperate need of win in a fiercely competitive league.
Munster have looked as bad as they have ever been over the last couple of seasons, while Connacht found themselves with 0 points from three games, albeit against tough opposition.
Given Connacht's home advantage, and the opposition both sides have faced coming into tonight's games, many fancied Connacht to win.
Their predictions rang true as they came away with a 20-11 victory, after pulling away in the second-half.
Munster, once again, looked completely substandard, and produced a performance full of basic errors and ill-discipline. Against the run of play they went into half-time with the lead, but as the games wore on, it became clear just how early they are in their transition, both in terms of a new play-style and a new breed of players.
Twitter Reacts To Munster v Connacht
All over.
We're as bad as we look at the moment. Worse, actually.
When lads with 100+ caps are the ones being penalised and making error after error over and over again, it's time for a massive refresh.
Worst province in Ireland at the moment. Believe it. #CONvMUN— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) October 7, 2022
READ HERE: Munster History Made As 18-Year-Old Ruadhan Quinn Makes Debut
Congratulations, Connacht fans.
Enjoy the win; well deserved.
Munster were as bad tonight as I've seen in a long, long time.
Relentlessly erroneous.— The Loose Head (@TheLooseH) October 7, 2022
Munster are timing this season very nicely. Certainly making sure they don’t peak too early 👀 #CONvMUN
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) October 7, 2022
Only three points scored by Munster in that third quarter, but it's their highest scoring third quarter in four games.
— The Loose Head (@TheLooseH) October 7, 2022
Munster can start planning for the challenge cup next season.
Utter fucking drivel.
It's going to be a long time until this system clicks and there's going to be a lot of players left behind.— Overthehillprop (@Overthehillprop) October 7, 2022
Munster are brutal. Deserved nothing from that match. #CONvMUN
— Alan Kinsella (@electionlit) October 7, 2022
After the match, a forlorn looking Graham Rowntree spoke to the media. The new head coach praised his side's effort, but bemoaned their sever lack of discipline.
"At 11-5, we didn't really push on. We failed to look after the ball again in their end of the field. Kept going into the 22, good opportunity there but just couldn't hold on to the ball.
"The last 15 minutes was just littered with ill discipline from us, it's got to better. Breakdown, maul penalties, backing up penalty on penalty, we just got to be better.
"I can't fault our effort, but when we have the ball inside their 22 we need to keep hold of it, and we just got to be better disciplined."
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