Munster Rugby's defense coach, Denis Leamy, said his team are 'looking forward' to Exeter challenge

MUNSTER RUGBY defense coach Denis Leamy said that the frustrating draw against Bayonne does not change the end goal for the province. 

Speaking ahead of the second Champions Cup game this weekend in Exeter, Leamy said “The draw doesn’t change anything really.

“Ultimately you want to go and win in these places whether your home or away in this competition. Of course winning at home puts a bit more pressure on us, but it doesn’t change our mindset and it doesn’t change what we are going to do this weekend.”

No game in Munster’s round-robin group will be an easy fixture with Toulon and Northampton Saints coming down the tracks in the New Year. 

Denis is hoping that by his team doing the simple things right in these challenging games that everything will start to fall into place in terms of winning games. 

“We have put a huge emphasis on our maul defense the last few weeks, due to the size and strength of the teams we are coming up against and I do think it has improved. 

“You can’t underestimate any of these teams. They are never going to turn-up and get their bellies tickled. That just isn’t going to happen ever.”

This weekend will be a huge challenge for the province and Leamy knows all too well the collisions and defense that his team will have to complete to try and get a win on the road.

“Exeter are brilliantly effective at putting phase’s together with their forwards and their big men. They are masters at keeping the ball and retaining it. 

They will offer challenges around the maul and the scrum while also having a huge kicking game so our back three will be under pressure to perform. We are looking forward to the challenge.”

The game in Sandy Park will kick-off at 1:00pm this Sunday.