John Brain has warned that Munster will present a much tougher challenge to Bristol than the one offered by Neath.

Bristol's young guns kicked off their British & Irish Cup Pool B campaign with an 18-11 win at the Gnoll on Friday – but next up is a tricky trip to Nenagh to face Munster A.

The Irish province were 20-13 winners at Coventry on the opening day of the new competition – and fielded three full internationals in their starting line-up.

Winger Denis Hurley, flanker Niall Ronan and prop Julien Brugnaut all have Test experience, while skipper James Coughlan has made four Heineken Cup appearances for the 2006 and 2008 champions.

And forwards coach Brain is well aware that Munster's second string – who are coached by the province's legendary former No 8 Anthony Foley – will provide a step up in class for Bristol's youngsters.

"Munster will be more difficult – a real test," said Brain.

"I think the Irish provinces have a bit of an advantage in this competition, because there's no Magners League and they can play sides as strong as they want.

"It will be tough, but it's another test and it's another building experience for the younger guys.

"If they go as well as they did at Neath, then we're going to put in another big performance."

Bristol Rugby's tries in their 18-11 win at Neath were scored by Iain Grieve and Sam Alford, while Chris Ashwin kicked eight points on his first start of the season.

There were eye-catching performances throughout the team as seven players – Jack Tovey, George Watkins, Jack Gadd, Mako Vunipola, Ben Glynn, Marko Mama and Sam Giddens – made their competitive first-team debuts.

And centre Luke Eves, who was the most experienced player in Bristol'Rugby's back-line at the age of 20, wants to see more of the same this Friday.

"I was pleased with how we came together and pulled out the win," said Eves.

"Practically the whole team that played at Neath are trying to push for a regular spot in the team, especially the young lads, who want to make a mark– and a few of them did just that.

"Neath played some good rugby and are big, physical men – but I don't think any of the boys shied away from it."

And he believes the emergence of a raft of talented new youngsters can be beneficial for Bristol's promotion-chasing Championship squad.

"It keeps people on their toes and I don't think any player did himself any harm at Neath," said Eves.

"I expect some people looked at our team and thought we didn't have a chance, with there being so many youngsters in there. It just shows that with a bit of determination and will to win you can pull out a result."

Teenager Gadd, whose pass after Watkins' stunning break set up the opening try for Grieve, suffered a head injury at Neath and is being assessed by Bristol's medical staff.