Diarmuid Barron: All Blacks XV occasion can drive Munster on this season

Diarmuid Barron believes Munster can use their uplifting performance against an All Blacks XV as a kickstart to their season, as they look to get back on track following the departure of head coach Graham Rowntree.

While Munster fell to a fourth defeat in a row to the touring New Zealanders on Saturday evening, Ian Costello's side performed above expectation, considering they were without all but one of their frontline internationals, and had six academy players in their matchday squad.

Even aside from what was an entertaining game of rugby, Saturday’s occasion lived up to expectations with a full and vocal crowd of 26,267 at Thomond Park.

It was a welcome feel-good night in Limerick after a turbulent start to the season. Four defeats in their first six games of the URC, one of those versus Zebre, led to the shock departure of Rowntree on Monday, while the province have also been dealing with a difficult injury list, which is now beginning to shorten.

And with just under four weeks until they are back in action, when they welcome the Lions to Thomond Park at the end of the month, Barron says Saturday’s performance, and the upcoming break, have come at just the right time.

"I think that is pretty much it. I think you would be in a better headspace," said Barron, who captained Munster in the absence of regular skipper Tadhg Beirne on Saturday night.

"The break is well needed. There are some sore bodies around the place and hopefully it adds to our fit players list in terms of getting lads back when we do play again. Just to refresh the mind, I don't think going and going and going does anyone any favours, particularly when results aren't going your way and you are just missing out on things.

"Like the week we have had, the