Brian O'Driscoll hails Munster's 'defensive masterclass', feels Toulon Champions Cup win 'could be turning point'

Munster's stunning 29-18 victory at Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup has been hailed by TNT Sports expert Brian O'Driscoll as a "defensive masterclass".

The Irish side secured a much-needed first victory of the competition as they rallied from 10 points behind to move third in Pool 3, behind Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs.

Tries from Alex Nankivell, Simon Zebo, Tom Ahern and Calvin Nash completed the comeback as Munster earned a famous bonus-point triumph.

Munster had followed a draw with Bayonne with defeat to Exeter, but improved significantly against arguably their toughest opponents in the pool to give themselves a chance of progression.

The manner of performance impressed O'Driscoll, who said: "Largely through a huge injury list this season, they haven’t been able to get any kind of form. Maybe a bit of a hangover from Ireland and the returning players from the Rugby World Cup.

"But this result and performance in particular feels like a significant turning point in their season, going away to one of the hardest places in Europe to win and get a try-scoring bonus.

"It was a defensive masterclass throughout, it was really impressive and that’s why you never write them off."

Lawrence Dallaglio went further, saying: "I think it was their best performance of the season by a country mile. They were 10 points down after 23 minutes, facing a tidal wave."

He paid tribute to Ireland U20 player Thomas Ahern who he said "caused Toulon problems all day".

"I think he’s got a chance of being in the Ireland squad at the beginning of the Six Nations. He’s definitely one for the future."

While Dallaglio was most impressed with Munster, he felt there were "too many inaccuracies" in Toulon's game.

"Every time they got themselves a foothold back in the game, they allowed Munster to come back at them again," he said.

"I felt defensively they weren't strong enough."

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