I think that's harsh on a few of the players. Kilcoyne has been much better than Buckley this year, much as it pains me to say it, and O'Donoghue didn't get on until the game was lost. As for Taute, his season started in February 2016, so he's entitled to be knackered. Retaining him over Saili is likely because he's costing half as much but has a better fitness record, and I expect Munster will not be the only Irish or NH team hiring plenty of Saffir beef this year, mainly because it's cheap.

Munster have hugely overperformed this year, their record is 26-0-6 for the season which surpasses our record last year (21-0-10), but they peaked way too early, which could be linked to the tragic passing of their coach and their exemplary response. They just don't have the silverware. I suspect that the coaching has been excellent but there are issues regarding the roster (you point out Bleyendaal and O'Donnell as not being top class and I'd agree with you).

Anyway I won't be getting cocky just because Munster blew another big day (I wouldn't have begrudged them the win) - a few weeks ago it looked like Leinster and Munster were lightyears ahead of Connacht and Ulster, I'm just delighted that the hill doesn't look so steep or so high as it did.

Munster seemed to hit their true level on Saturday. When they had to chase a game they betrayed a total lack of attacking guile. Bringing in more South African beef (which I expect will be Erasmus's solution to the problem) won't help either. How they can make the decision to keep the oh-so-limited Taute while getting rid of Saili (who can't defend, but at least has some attacking flair) is unconscionable. How "Killer" Kilcoyne has been chosen to tour the USA/Japan in front of Denis Buckley needs to be asked and asked again. Bleyendaal seems to choke in the big games and again players like Tommy O'Donnell and Jack O'Donoghue have proven they are limited at best.

Congrats to Scarlets - two massive wins in Dublin in two weeks, overcoming a red card early on in the semi too. I felt the scoreline flattered Munster, as Scarlets clearly knew they had it won and took their foot off the gas a little, letting in a couple of tries they wouldn't have if the score was tighter.

I have to admit to taking some satisfaction in the fact that we're still the most recent Irish silverware winners.

Was at the final yesterday. Scarlets were fantastic, family loved the occasion if not the result.

Our reign is over but to be fair the trophy is being handed over to a fine Scarlets side. Scarlets were fantastic in both the semi-final and again today. Yes they played on the edge at times as you have to do but they played some superb rugby. It's great for the league to see 6 of the last 7 years have been different champions. Seeing Glasgow, ourselves and now Scarlets emerge from the shadows and comprehensively win the final playing exciting rugby in the last 3 years makes the league so exciting.

Still Champions ...

... and we're gone. Congrats to Scarlets. Some finish to their season. I wouldn't have thought when we went there in September that they would be lifting the trophy.

If Munster don't get the finger out soon, the new banner can be 'last Irish Pro 12 Champions'.

This is a carbon copy of last year's final. Super entertainment. Scarlets deserve to win playing that kind of rugby.

Yup much better

connemara man wrote: So... official supporters club of the 15/16 pro 12 Champions

I was going to go with Official Supporters' Club of the 2017/18 Pro 12 Champions ...

So... official supporters club of the 15/16 pro 12 Champions

Enjoy your last few hours as champions everyone. Don't forget to gloat.
Debating how long to leave it until we change the website banner back to something more humble ...

Looks like someone has a helicopter licence. That'll come in handy for next season

I see some of the clan are heading to the pro12 final this weekend!
www.pro12rugby.com/2017/05/25/leo-troy-w...uinness-pro12-final/