Erasmus relieved as emotional tie is over

IN THE end an awkward week reaped a prosperous ending. Twelve weeks after their initial fixture with Racing was postponed in tragic circumstances, Munster impressively delivered the necessary.

Four tries in 55 minutes had director of rugby Rassie Erasmus expressing relief that this return trip was at last over with and life can somehow return to some degree of normality.

‘I’m relieved, not just for the scoreboard and for the win. I’m relieved this game is over because it was a tough week − but it has also been dragging since Anthony passed away. I’m glad it is over,’ he said.

The win over the misfiring Top 14 champions puts Munster three points clear of Glasgow ahead of next Saturday’s trip to Scotland.

‘It was a nervous week. I wasn’t quite sure how we would handle it. To get the win and then the fourth try was special.

‘I would never say we can go on because we will think of Anthony a lot always. We have made that decision and will keep on doing that. We will never move on as we will always miss him, but it almost feels like now we are level in the number of pool matches played with other teams, it feels like we are back to normal now − if I can put it that way with all the respect in the world.

‘It was really clinical and intense the first 50 minutes and while the last 30 minutes we went a bit less sharp, we still had the intensity. A lot can be put down to Axel.’