Ian Costello happy with Munster's 'significant step up' after victory over Stade

Munster interim head coach Ian Costello believes his side made a considerable step forward in their progress after a resounding 33-7 Champions Cup victory over Stade Francais.

After ending a three-game losing streak with a URC win against the Lions last weekend, Munster delivered a bonus-point start to their Pool 3 campaign on a freezing night in Limerick.

The hosts scored five tries in total, two of which came after the French outfit had both second rows, Pierre-Henri Azagoh and Baptiste Pesenti, sent off in a four-minute spell at the start of the second half.

"Again, like last week, there were some elements of the performance that we were delighted with," said Costello. "I think it was probably a significant step up even.

"Obviously there was 15-18 minutes where we lost our way a little bit and it turned into a bit of a strange game but 60 minutes of that, we were really happy with.

"Specifically, our lineout was 100% again, looked really crisp, scrum was really solid, and when the game was quick, I thought we looked really, really good.

"For the second week in a row, I thought bar one moment, our defence was outstanding.

"And our attack was so good getting close to the line, but we left a few chances close to the line behind us. But that's exciting, we have something to build on for the next six days."

A quite brilliant (double) chip and chase from Shane Daly has Munster firmly in control at Thomond Park. Once again, Crowley obliges with the extras.
30min: Munster 14-0 Stade Francais