Munster tops Heineken pool after win over Perpignan at Thomond Park

Munster moved two points clear of Gloucester at the top of their Heineken Cup pool thanks to a 36-8 win over Perpignan at Thomond Park on Sunday.

The Reds outscored Perpignan by five tries to one, but coach Rob Penney expects a tough return leg in France this weekend.

Penney said, “It is a massive challenge going to Perpignan with the passion and fervor they have for the game down there. It is something we are used to here, but rather than be at our backs, it will be in our faces this time round.”

Scrum-half Conor Murray faces a fitness test on an injured knee ahead of that game but will travel with the comfort of a new contact with the province.

The 24-year-old has agreed a two year extension that ties him to Munster until 2016.

Penney has also confirmed the signing of forward Robin Copeland from Cardiff Blues on a two-year deal to begin to begin this summer.

Munster and Ireland hooker Mike Sherry won’t play again this season after surgery to repair a ruptured cruciate ligament.