Bernard Jackman: Munster coaches must change old habits

Bernard Jackman says Munster's coaching staff must "change old habits" and warned it could take until January before they start to show signs of serious improvement.

Graham Rowntree's reign as head coach got off to a losing start as a below-par Munster suffered a 20-13 defeat against Cardiff in their BKT United Rugby Championship opener.

"You've got to change old habits. Johann [van Graan] and Rassie Erasmus before him had a very clear blueprint of how the game should be played. That's what they've been taught for the last six or seven years." Bernard Jackman on Munster's below-par start to the season. #RTERugby pic.twitter.com/UDUxiYLvHt

The visitors conceded two tries off first phase from set-pieces at the Arms Park while Max Llewellyn's opening try was the result of some abject defending.

Rowntree takes his side back to Wales on Sunday to face the Dragons, live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, and Jackman said patience is required.

The former Ireland hooker told Against the Head: "Munster will be happy with a bonus point given the content of the game. To concede those two set-piece tries, that's an easy fix, and Denis Leamy will tighten up all those areas over the next month.

"From an attacking point of view, you can see at times what Mike Prendergast wants to do, but there was that lack of cohesion and clarity.

An early breakthrough for Cardiff as Max Llewellyn punches a hole through the Munster line. Live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player. #URC #CARvMUN pic.twitter.com/4pHIf5zYA7

"You've got to change old habits. Johann [van Graan] and Rassie Erasmus before him had a very clear blueprint of how the game should be played. That's what they've been taught for the last six or seven years. You've got to retrain them. They're also missing some