Tom Farrell form a positive as Munster regroup to face Saracens

Munster have been the definition of inconsistency this season; it has been a real rollercoaster ride for the 2023 URC champions.

They have only once managed to record back-to-back wins in the BKT United Rugby Championship, more on that later, and only twice earned consecutive wins across all competitions.

Having lost head coach Graham Rowntree and assistant Andi Kyriacou, they are operating under interim boss Ian Costello, who is not in the running to take up the job full-time.

On the field, they have too often backed up very decent performances, against Ospreys and Stade Francais in particular, with bemusing sequels.

Injuries to key players haven't helped but they, are we are so often told, are part of the game, with few teams escaping on that front. Indeed, even when most of the frontliners have been available, they have failed to live up to their high standards.

While Munster have more than enough negatives to address ahead of Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup clash with Saracens (5.30pm, live on RTÉ), the form of centre Tom Farrell belongs in the other column.

The former Connacht and Leinster academy man has been their standout performer since joining from the Westerners over the summer.

After nine rounds, the 31-year-old tops the URC charts in defenders beaten (38), offloads (17, tied with RG Snyman), and is in the top four for successful carries, while he sits joint second in tries scored with five, and has also crossed the line in the Champions Cup and in their friendly against All Blacks XV.

Three of those came in December's away win at Ulster, the only time this season they have managed to back up a win, against Lions, with another one in the URC.

On a personal level, it has been an excellent start to Farrell’s Munster