Richard Cockerill Was Wonderfully Humble In Defeat Today & Gave Munster Serious Praise

Another magical day in Thomond Park.

There’s something very special happening down in Munster right now. The southern province are now unbeaten in seven games and top the PRO12 and their Champions Cup pool after an emphatic 38-0 win over Leicester this afternoon.

The red army was in full force as a sold-out Thomond Park witnessed another memorable performance as their side grabbed another bonus-point win to ensure a maximum points return from their opening two games.

Leicester boss Richard Cockerill was full of praise for Munster this evening following the loss, admitting they their ‘arses smacked good and proper.’

“It was pretty much the same team that played us last year – slightly different attitude from them than last year.

“There was a negative vibe around the place. For obvious, tragic reasons, they seem to be the Munster of old again. Credit to them, I’ve got no complaints, that was a great performance, great atmosphere and a great occasion.

“The stands are full, that’s where Munster rugby would always like to be I suppose.”

Asked to expand on that negative vibe comment, Cockerill explained how poor results can hurt a team’s confidence pretty quickly. He also noted how Munster have been inspired by heartbreak, following the loss of their head coach Anthony Foley.

“For whatever reason, Thomond Park is a different place. If [that result] was in the memory of Anthony Foley then he would be a very proud man this evening.”

Fair play to him. Humble in defeat, next week promises to be a cracker.