Munster 23 Cardiff 20

Alex Nankivell of Munster is tackled by Rory Jennings of Cardiff Rugby during the United Rugby Championship match at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Alex Nankivell of Munster is tackled by Rory Jennings of Cardiff Rugby during the United Rugby Championship match at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

The last time Clayton McMillan was in Thomond Park, his then All Blacks XV beat Munster. Just shy of a year on, McMillan returned to the home coaching box and watched his side come through a major arm-wrestle with Cardiff to maintain their winning start to the season.

After the relative ease with which Munster racked up a bonus point victory over the Scarlets last weekend, Cardiff provided a much stiffer test in difficult conditions.