All's not well in Munster...a rough 2023 looks to be on the cards

Leinster and Ulster are riding high at the top of the URC standings. Leo Cullen's team won against the Sharks. Ulster beat the Ospreys in Belfast. Andy Friend's Connacht picked up their first win of season on Friday night. Munster are 12th in the league table. Graham Rowntree's side lost to Connachts 20-11 on the Friday. The province's remaining fixtures are against Bulls in Limerick, Leinsters at Aviva Stadium and then Ulster in Thomond Park. The Urc takes a break for the autumn internationals in November.

Munster are fourth in the provincial order. Leinster and Ulster are ahead. Connacht are in good shape. Munster's players' body language is telling. Recruitment is one area where Munsters have been found wanting. Ulster secured Scotland and Lions prop Rory Sutherland on a short-term deal. Steven Kitshoff is on his way to Ulster after the World Cup. James Cronin and John Ryan left in recent seasons. Munstere have spent big money to bring some high-profile backs into the squad. They have also signed Damian de Allende, Simon Zebo and Malakai Fekitoa.