Bernard Jackman: Munster are a province in turmoil

Bernard Jackman said Munster are "on the way to hitting rock-bottom" after Friday's defeat at Connacht plunged the province into an even deeper crisis.

The 20-11 reverse in Galway was Munster’s third loss in four matches this season but it is the manner of those defeats which has caused the most alarm for former Ireland hooker Jackman.

Ben Healy’s 48th-minute penalty against Connacht is the only second-half score Munster have registered in their past three matches while their set-piece, an area of strength in the round three win over Zebre, fell apart at the Sportsground.

Munster are a 'province in turmoil' according to Bernard Jackman and it's difficult to see any quick fixes for their woes. #RTErugby #AgainstTheHead pic.twitter.com/JyITgNyLDp

The concession of two early scrum penalties handed Connacht their first entry into the Munster 22, which led to Mack Hansen's opening try, while they lost a couple of crucial lineouts and were bested at the breakdown.

Speaking on Against The Head, Jackman said: "There is still no element of the game where you would say Graham Rowntree, Mike Prendergast and Denis Leamy will go, 'we’ve made progress there’.

"It’s very average. They’re on the way to hitting rock-bottom. They’ll hope they’ve hit rock-bottom and the only way is up.

"It’s a province in turmoil."

Munster sit 12th in the URC table and face a daunting fixture list before the BKT United Rugby Championship breaks for the November internationals.

The Vodacom Bulls visit Thomond Park on Saturday before back-to-back interprovincials against Leinster and Ulster on 22 and 29 October respectively.

Jackman said the province's struggles should come as no surprise and accused those in charge of the club of dwelling on past glories.

"If you look