Munster move focus to Stade Francais after win over Lions

MUNSTER Rugby interim head coach Ian Costello said his side are looking forward to switching their attention to the start of the Investec Champions Cup next weekend.

Munster got back to winning ways in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday night after securing a hard fought 17-10 victory over the Lions at Thomond Park on Saturday night.

Stade Francais will be Munster's opponents in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday evening at Thomond Park, 5.30pm. Munster will be boosted by the return to the squad of their Ireland stars from Autumn Nations Series duty.

Looking ahead to next week's clash with Top 14 side Stade Francais, Munster interim head coach Ian Costello said: “It's a special competition for the club. There's always an extra level of excitement. We are going back into a competition that we love. We'll have some of the international players coming back.

“We've some decisions to make around selection and we get to play in Thomand Park again. Another opportunity, to show people what we stand for and what we represent.

Munster's victory over the Lions on Saturday night is a huge boost heading into the Champions Cup.

“(Saturday night) was really important to reflect and represent the work that we've done in the last few weeks. We didn't look any further than (Saturday night). Now we get to park that for three weeks,” Costello said.

Hooker Diarmuid Barron captained Munster in Saturday night's victory over the Lions. Barron is expecting a massive physical battle against Stade Francais next weekend.

“A hugely physical battle first of all as a front row. They obviously have some incredible talent out wide. A huge challenege, an exciting one,” Barron said.

Following the game with Stade Francais, Munster will travel to Castres on December 13 in round two of the Champions Cup. Barron believes the win over the Lions on Saturday can stand to them.

“It can only do a certain amount, we've got to take confidence from it. It's a fresh week and a fresh start. We've got to be better but it helps. Winning becomes a habit but it does become a habit. If you can start winning a few more games, it becomes a little bit easier. We're a long way from getting a roll on,” Diarmuid Barron added.