Depth.

Munster got their 2018/19 season off to the perfect start on Saturday as they made light work of the Cheetahs in a 38-0 win at Thomond Park.

The southern province banged in six tries on the way to an absolute route of the South African side, despite being without a number of their international stars.

It may be early doors, and Munster will face much stiffer competition in the weeks to come – but early signs indicate this could be a very good season for them.

Firstly they’ve addressed two key issues that have been a problem for the last number of seasons – a real quality operator in Joey Carbery at ten, and another international standard lock in Tadhg Beirne.

Beirne is yet to make his debut for the province, but Carbery looked very sharp in his cameo off the bench, with some lovely touches. He looked relaxed on the ball and could be the man to finally bring some real shape to Munster’s backline.

Arno Botha also looked excellent in his competitive debut. The giant South African made some huge carries and racked up an impressive doublt figure tackle count. As was Mike Haley who showed some excellent footwork. And let’s not forget about Neil Cronin – the Garryowen man was incredible on Saturday.

Which brings me to my main point. What Munster have this season, that has alluded them in previous seasons – is some real depth. And I mean quality depth.

Ireland and Leinster (the eastern province used 50+ players last season) have shown in recent seasons just how important that is. The All Blacks have had it for god knows how long. It’s not a 15-man game anymore. It’s not even a 23-man game. Your entire panel needs to be at a certain level.

From 1-15 Munster have 2-3 guys in every position that can a job on any given day, and that could be crucial come the business end of the season – and during the international breaks.

The international breaks especially should favour Munster heavily this season. They still have some real quality available to them while the Test stars are away.

Have a look at this possible ‘Non-Test XV’ for example.

1. James Cronin
2. Rhys Marshall
3. Stephen Archer
4. Billy Holland (c)
5. Jean Kleyn
6. Jack O’Donoghue
7. Tommy O’Donnell
8. Arno Botha
9. Neil Cronin
10. JJ Hanrahan
11. Alex Wooton
12. Jaco Taute
13. Sammy Arnold
14. Darren Sweetnam
15. Mike Haley

That’s a pretty formidable team that could dismantle any PRO14 side on any given day. And there are some big players still not included there, such is the depth.

As for a potential starting XV, Munster can now field a side capable of beating any team in Europe, once everyone is fit.

Potential Munster ‘European’ XV

1. Dave Kilcoyne
2. Niall Scannell
3. John Ryan
4. Tadhg Beirne
5. Jean Kleyn
6. Peter O’Mahony (c)
7. Chris Cloete
8. CJ Stander
9. Conor Murray
10. Joey Carbery
11. Keith Earls
12. Rory Scannell
13. Chris Farrell
14. Darren Sweetnam
15. Andrew Conway

And that’s just two combinations. There are a number of other guys in the squad that could easily cause some selection headaches.

Guys like Ian Keatley, Mike Sherry, Ronan O’Mahony, Fineen Wycherly and Shane Daly could all put their hands up. And not forgetting Tyler Bleyendaal – if he can get himself right and overcome his injury problems.

All in all Munster fans should be excited this season. They are more than capable of mounting a challenge on both fronts in terms of the PRO14 and Champions Cup.

And with a bit of luck… could very well win some silverware this season.