Veteran Earls encouraged by Munster's next generation

The 27-year-old Earls scored a spectacular try for Munster's third and CJ Stander clinched the all-important fourth, adding to earlier scores from back-rowers Eusebio Guinazu and Jack O'Donoghue.

Glasgow kept it tight through the boot of Connor Braid and a Rossouw de Klerk score but Munster blew them away in the final quarter.

And Earls, who has been restricted by injury to only four GUINNESS PRO12 appearances this season, declared that this is the start of a pivotal run of games for the Irish province.

"It does feel like that was a performance that had been threatening to come," the man-of-the-match said.

"Grinding it out was good, in the first half we dropped a few balls and forced it a bit, but our transition from the first half into the second half was good, and we became a bit more composed.

"With the squad we have we are missing a few and a lot of young lads are getting a chance and stepping up, which is great.

"It is an important part of the season and we need good confidence going forward.

"The next game against the Ospreys is another massive one, we have played two top four teams in the last few weeks so it is a massive period of games for us."

Despite it being a Six Nations weekend and with Glasgow missing 23 players due to Scotland call-ups, injury or suspension, Earls was delighted with the Thomond Park support.

"I was delighted to be out there with the guys and in front of a great crowd," he added.

"It is great to be back and getting a good run, I am happy that I am injury free and keeping my head down."

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