Tom Ahern warns Munster maul defence must improve for Bayonne clash

Tom Ahern was singing from the same hymn sheet as Graham Rowntree in their assessment of Munster's defensive performance against Glasgow Warriors.

The Munster head coach said his side’s 40-29 win over the Scots on Friday night was "tainted" because of the concession of five tries, which all came from lineout mauls.

"It’s just not good enough from us," player of the match Ahern said ahead of Saturday’s Champions Cup clash with Bayonne at Thomond Park (5.30pm).

"We pride ourselves on our maul defence, our scrum, and our set-piece. It just wasn’t good enough from us.

"We do plenty of work on it but what it was, wasn’t good enough.

"Bayonne have quite a good maul so we’ve got to make massive improvements in there."

Ahern, who usually plays second row, started the last two games at blindside flanker. He scored two tries in the victory over Glasgow at Musgrave Park.

"Wig [Graham Rowntree] said it to me earlier last week that we were going to give a go at it and see how we go," said the 23-year-old, who stands 6ft 9in.

"Lucky enough, there are plenty of other good experienced back rows with me, chatting me through all the plays, what to do and what not to do. I’m lucky to have good team-mates who help me out there.

"It’s always good to be more versatile so I’m happy enough with that.

"I played there for Waterpark Under-18s, I played six, but other than that, it’s the first time since then.

"It’s very rewarding [to score] but I’ve just got to thank my team-mates, being honest.

"It’s the boys in the middle doing all the tough slog and I just happened to get on the end of two very good plays from the boys inside.

"Obviously, though, it’s very rewarding and I’m delighted with it."

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