Masterclass.

Ever since the arrival of the likes of Andy Farrell and Jacques Nienaber to Ireland, defence has become a huge part of Irish Rugby. While the latter has since returned home, his influence on Munster’s defence has remained.

Farrell has made Ireland’s defence their number one weapon, and has also assisted Munster in the past, most recently ahead of their Champions Cup fixture with Leicester on Saturday. In that game Munster restricted completely shut down Leicester, in one of the great defensive performances.

After the game, captain Peter O’Mahony told us that the defensive systems that Nienaber and Erasmus have put in place are now at at stage were everyone in the team is on the same wavelength.

“It takes time to get a system like that for everyone to get on the same wavelength and get on par with people and get up on people and feel what it’s like to defend with guys around you.” O’Mahony said.

“It’s probably time now where guys are starting to feel a little more comfortable and as you can see at times line-speed is quite good.”

Former Leinster and Ireland centre Brian O’Driscoll was on BT Sport’s Rugby Tonight last night to analyse some of the defensive structures over the weekend, with a keen focus on Munster that was really interesting to watch.

O’Driscoll zoned in particularly on outside centre, and man of the match, Sam Arnold and his “closing of the gate” or drift defence.

Have a watch below.