Hugh Farrelly looks at Munster's fall and the unenviable task of ensuring their rebirth as a major European force in The Irish Independent.
"Reinvention is a process that has produced 'phoenix from the ashes' results for individuals as diverse as John Travolta, Kylie Minogue and even the ghastly Noel Edmonds -- now it is the prerogative for Munster coach Tony McGahan.
"The Australian inherited a team from Declan Kidney that had powered its way to two Heineken Cup triumphs -- glories he had contributed to significantly through his role as defensive coach -- and one imbued with confidence and self-belief about their way of doing things -- a tough ask.
"There are parallels to be made with Brian Clough taking over the streetwise, trophy-winning Leeds side of the early 1970s from Don Revie. The difference is the Leeds players never bought into Clough's radical and confrontational style and drew constant comparisons with Revie, while McGahan had the support and respect of the Munster squad when he came in."
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