O'Callaghan: Munster's 'middle group' have to take more responsibility

Donncha O'Callaghan says Munster's wider squad group need to show more leadership on the pitch, after the province fell to a second defeat to begin the new season.

Following last week's 20-13 loss in Cardiff, Munster regressed further in their 23-17 defeat to the Dragons, losing to the Welsh side for the first time since 2015.

Graham Rowntree's side had also been able to call upon most of their frontline international players, with Tadhg Beirne, Peter O'Mahony, Joey Carbery and Keith Earls all featuring.

Earls' day was ended early due to injury, while Beirne looked sluggish after replacing Jean Kleyn in the opening half, with Kleyn departed due to a HIA.

'There comes a point, as a player, that you've got to take responsibility for your role, and that's it' Donncha O'Callaghan says Munster underperformed once again in their defeat to Dragons #RTESport #URC #DRAvMUN https://t.co/MgCHE8l3nt pic.twitter.com/Mm3FJpeqpP

O'Callaghan, Munster's record appearance holder, was scathing in his assessment of the performance, and says there needs to be greater responsibility taken by what he called the "middle group" in the squad, who can maintain the standards even when the international players are away in Ireland camp.

"There has to be a core group who are there, week-in and week-out, that have to say it's unacceptable," he said on RTÉ2's coverage after the game.

"If Munster are to drive on, you have to look at when they're without their internationals.

"For me, I find it frustrating that there is a middle group not driving the standards and today was a perfect example. You get your internationals back, and you should look after them.

"I'm not making excuses, but players will make mistakes in their first game back, you need a club player