Team manager Shaun Payne cut a satisfied figure after watching Munster dismantle Benetton Treviso 44-7 on Saturday.
Manager salutes players after professional display
Munster team manager Shaun Payne cut a satisfied figure after watching his side dismantle Benetton Treviso 44-7 at Stadio Comunale di Monigo.
Centre Keith Earls claimed a try in either half, while Denis Hurley, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul Warwick and Donnacha Ryan also touched down as Ronan O'Gara added 12 points with the boot to complete an emphatic triumph.
The result leaves Munster in a commanding position at the top of Pool One, seven points clear of Northampton who play on Sunday.
Payne stated: "It was a strange match to secure a bonus point as early as that with all the tries scored from long range.
"It's not something we're used to but we were pleased nonetheless.
"We were aware of the problems both Perpignan and Northampton had here in Italy so we were really up for this game as we chase a play-off place.
"A few of the lads hadn't played for almost three weeks because of rest periods and games being called off due to the weather but I guess our concerns that we might be under-cooked were unfounded.
"The lads were hungry and we made the most of the good conditions with the tries."
Having raced into a resounding 30-7 lead by the break, Munster rather took their foot off the pedal after the interval allowing Treviso to stem the flow of points.
Payne addded: "Treviso hit their straps and started playing some rugby with quick ball that they hadn't managed to do before.
"The game changed around and we were slightly disjointed, as can happen sometimes when you get such an early bonus point."
Smith realistic
Treviso coach Franco Smith was realistic in his appraisal of the game, declaring: "There was a lot of pressure on us and we wanted to do well in front of such a big home crowd.
"This was a great day for the club but very disappointing on the field because beating a team as strong as Munster was too much to ask.
"We had good plans and intentions but we could not implement any of it against such a quality team.
"Munster were very good at stretching our defence and we could not live with their strength and speed."
