Eddie O’Sullivan believes Munster’s current squad is not strong enough to compete for major European honours.
The former Irish coach’s comments come in the wake of Munster’s 27-22 Champion’s Cup semi-final defeat in Paris to Racing Metro.
The score line flattered the Irish province after a couple of late scores, they trailed the French side 24-3 at the interval.
O’Sullivan joined this evening’s OTB with Joe Molloy to review the weekend’s Champions cup Semi-finals.
The former coach says it’s a Munster side that has reached the height of their ability, and then some.
“It’s not a bad Munster team but it’s a Munster team that’s punching at its weight, at the moment, and that’s why I felt they needed to do something different against a team like Racing on the big day out.”
The Limerick man also questioned Munster’s Ian Keatley. O’Sullivan says the out-half may not have the required temperament to play in the biggest games at European Cup level.
"Keatley has had a really good season, but I think his temperament on the big occasion is questionable, and that can be a harsh thing to say but that’s his history. He did not have a good game yesterday – and I think he needed to have a very good game. All the indicators were he was in a good place but it was a big game, a big occasion and huge pressure."
O'Sullivan says Conor Murray's performance didn't help Keatley settle into the game. He says Ireland's number nine was well below par. He feels that no Munster player's performance was gritty enough to ever help them get a foot back in the game.
"And I suppose what didn’t help him; and I’m a huge fan of Conor Murray, but again I thought he looked a little bit off for him, yesterday. Even in defence he missed a couple of tackles and that wouldn’t be his form - so that didn’t help Keatley. He certainly didn’t run the game. You need on the big day, like that, someone who grabs the game by the scruff of the neck.’
He says the current team needs to develop in attacking prowess, and can only do that with an injection of new blood.
“There is a case for that position (Out half), they have to look seriously at that position.“
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