KEITH EARLS SCORED a fine try and was denied another for Munster in their 36-8 win over Perpignan yet targeted improvements as soon as the final whistle blew at Thomond Park.
Earls profited from Damien Varley’s scrounging at the breakdown to streak clear for his side’s third try. He looked to have scored his second, late in the Heineken Cup home win, but was denied by a forward pass, by James Downey, and the video match official.
Munster travel to France to take on the same side next weekend and Earls, who was named man-of-the-match, told Sky Sports an improved performance is needed to claim back-to-back wins.
“It was good,” he said. “I think the last couple of weeks we have been winning but we haven’t been playing well. We scored a good couple of tries today and we’re delighted.
We’re still off the pace a small bit. I think we still have another 30% in us, but we’re delighted to be back in front of Thomond Park. A great win for us.”
Earls paid tribute to the Munster forwards and it was notable to see Paul O’Connell seek out hooker Duncan Casey, who made his European debut off the bench, for a hearty handshake after the match.
Earls commented, “We knew Perpignan were coming over with a big physical pack and in fairness to our boys we stood up. Defensively I think we were caught on the edge a couple of times down my side. A couple of poor decisions from myself and that’s something for me personally to work on.”
Securing another bonus point win next week, admitted the winger, would be a steep task. “We got a good result there a few years ago and can take some confidence from that, but as [Sky Sports' Alan Quinlan] says we have a couple of work-ons.
“They broke our line a couple of times and our scramble defence pulled us out, but it’s going to be a lot different next week I can guarantee you.”
