Munster head coach Johann Van Graan hailed his side’s second-half display as they secured a 30-5 win over Castres Olympique in their Heineken Champions Cup clash at Thomond Park.
Rory Scannell, CJ Stander and man-of-the-match JJ Hanrahan all ran in tries in the second period to help the Irish province seal a deserved victory over the reigning French champions.
The victory, which did not include a bonus point, leaves Munster three points clear of Gloucester at the top of Pool Two after three games, with Castres six points off the pace in third.
Van Graan said: “It was a very tough European battle between two heavyweights. Credit to Castres, who stuck to their task.
“I was very happy with the way we adapted to one or two disruptions pre-game and in-game it was a lot wetter than we anticipated in that first 40 minutes and we tightened up at half-time.
“All credit to the players who adapted to what we wanted in that second half.
“We went through them and I thought we got a comfortable victory in the end by 25 points which we would have taken before the game.”
The South African was pleased with Hanrahan’s performance after the fly-half was brought in as a late replacement for the injured Joey Carbery, while Munster also lost Ireland centre Chris Farrell to an injury in the warm-up.
“It is not ideal losing players like Joey Carbery and Chris Farrell shortly before kick-off, but that is why you have a squad. Our squad depth got tested today, both at 10 and at 13,” he said.
“I am glad that JJ stepped up so well and that Sammy (Arnold) stepped up. All credit to our mindset. It doesn’t matter who gets picked or what happens, we have to adapt and I’m very happy with that.”
