Munster open new Rabodirect Pro 12 campaign with bonus point victory over Edinburgh

Munster        34

Edinburgh    23

On a beautiful autumnal evening with perfect playing conditions Munster got their 2013/14 Rabodirect Pro 12 campaign off to a positive start with a five try, bonus point victory over a game Edinburgh side.

Apart from when the visitors took an early lead with a penalty, Rob Penney's men were always in the driving seat and had three tries on the board by half time with touch downs from fullback Denis Hurley, back row and captain James Coughlan and debutant loose head prop James Cronin.

Although Alan Solomons charges upped their performance after the break, the Munstermen wrapped up the bonus point when centre Ivan Dineen slid over in the corner.  And they added a fifth try for good measure when replacement outhalf JJ Hanrahan was allowed to stroll over under the posts to complete a convincing win

To be pleased with:

1. A debut try scoring performance from loose head James Cronin.  With Wian du Preez having departed in the summer it was good to see Cronin being given his chance and providing competition to Dave Kilcoyne

2. The performances of wingers Ronan O'Mahoney and Johne Murphy.  It was good to see both these players looking so sharp, particularly in the first half, with Murphy also showing security under the high ball.  Maybe it is the new scrum cap that is making the difference.  O'Mahoney will be slightly disappointed with his missed tackle on Lee Jones for his try in the second half

3. An offloading game in the first half which moved with purpose and accuracy

Still to work on:

1. The big question coming in to this season is whether Munster currently have the players to fill the massive shoes of the departed Ronan O'Gara.  Ian Keatley got the nod here and had a mixed night from the boot with three successful kicks from six i.e 1 penalty and 2 conversions.  His success rate will have to improve fpr the bigger challenges going forward

2. Scrum performance.  It held up well in the first half under the new IRB scrummaging rules but had to play second fiddle in the second half with the penalty count rising against