Player ratings: Munster vs Toulouse

Munster

1. Dave Kilcoyne - 8/10

Carried superbly, tackled like a man possessed and played a key part in the scrum which went forward against a bigger and more experienced front row.

2. Niall Scannell - 8/10

Fresh from his maiden Six Nations Championship the hooker took the form he showed in a green shirt straight into the red of Munster. The lineout functioned superbly and he worked diligently around the park. Solid performance from the hooker.

3. John Ryan - 9/10 (MOTM)

Thoroughly deserved the MOTM award for his exploits today. Played almost the whole game which is amazing for a tighthead. He went over for a rare try, was one of Munster’s leading tacklers and was a huge force in the scrum. May push Tadhg Furlong hard for the Irish jersey if he keeps up these performances.

4. Donnacha Ryan - 8/10

It’s easy to see why the second row has been attracting so much attention from France. He usually is a workhorse around the park but has added other elements to his game. Got away a couple of lovely offloads and was a nuisance to the Toulouse lineout throughout the game.

5. Billy Holland - 7/10

Can’t fault this man’s performance again. Did the dirty work as usual to help his teammates get all the glory.

6. Peter O'Mahony - 7/10

It was a shame the captain had to go off injured as he was putting in another immense performance for his beloved Munster side. Robbed ball in the lineout and rucked superbly, which was particularlu evident in the run up to Stander’s try.

7. Tommy O'Donnell - 7/10

A few mistakes today but nonetheless made his tackles and did what he had to do today.

8. CJ Stander - 8/10

As is almost expected from him at this stage the number 8 was Munster’s best ball carrier today as he got over the gainline time and time again. He went over for a try in the second half and was reluctant to leave the field despite being visibly injured. Really has bought in to the Munster ethos and is developing hero status at the club.

9. Duncan Williams - 8/10

Deputised fantastically for Conor Murray. May not have threatened as much as the Irish international around the ruck but his kicking game was perfect and was quick to get the ball out for his backline.

10. Tyler Bleyendaal - 9/10

Another gutsy performance from the out-half as he dictated the pace of the game fantastically, choosing when to kick and when to go wide. He kicked magnificently at goal and played a key role in Andrew Conway’s try with a beautiful skip pass to the wing.

11. Keith Earls - 7/10

Was limited in opportunities to counter attack but beat the first tackler every time with his trademark footwork.

12. Rory Scannell - 7/10

Kicked well out of hand, taking the heat off the halfbacks and made a couple of superb breaks which he was unlucky not to finish off himself.

13. Jaco Taute - 7/10

Made a poor decision to bite in on the wing which led to Perez’s try but other than that made some really dominant hits, which forced the ball loose, one of which led to Sweetnam’s try.

14. Darren Sweetman - 7/10

The wing didn’t make any of the characteristic breaks which we’ve seen in the Pro 12 this season but did go over for an opportunistic score in the final five minutes. Was probably caught out for Perez’s five pointer as well.

15. Simon Zebo – 8/10

He is really turning into a highly skilled fullback. He covered every inch of turf today and any time Toulouse kicked the ball they found that the Cork native was perfectly placed to collect it.

16. Rhys Marshall – 7/10

Fitted seamlessly into the front row which was on the front foot already when he came in.

17. James Cronin - 7/10

Looked to really be up for it when he came into the fray, getting narky with his opposing front-row at the scrum on a couple of occasions before getting the upper hand and driving him backwards.

18. Stephen Archer – N/A

19. Dave O’Callaghan – 7

Replaced his captain and didn’t shudder any responsibility in finishing out the game for the Reds.

20. Jack O’Donoghue – 7

21. Angus Lloyd – N/A

22. Francis Saili – N/A

23. Andrew Conway – 7

Finished off his only opportunity to score expertly in the corner.

Toulouse

1. Cyril Baile - 6/10

Held his own at scrum time and made some nice carries.