In the Graan scheme of things Joey will be a star

JOHANN VAN GRAAN is backing Joey Carbery to deliver in Exeter as Munster seek their first positive result of the season on the road.

The defeat to Leinster last Saturday was the Reds’ third in the Pro14 this season and van Graan’s men face a difficult task at Sandy Park to turn that around against a crack Chiefs outfit.

Once again, the spotlight will be on Carbery (above) but despite Munster’s failure to leave Dublin with even a bonus point, there was much to admire in his performance, and in Munster’s varied attack that really tested the double champions.

Asked if the

Reds can rely on

Carbery to deliver the goods next

Saturday, a confident van Graan replied: “Oh, most definitely we can.

“That’s why we got him, because I believe he’s going to be a worldclass player.

“Sometimes you forget that he’s only 22 and he’s settling into playing 10 consistently.

“But he’s just taken it into his stride and so have the team.

“He’s so calm, he takes us forward and is very clear and concise in his decision making.

“He came into Munster and he fitted in, and I’m really glad to have him.”

However, Munster could be facing a scrum-half crisis.

With no fresh news on Conor Murray’s return – and with James Harte out injured – the sight of Alby Mathewson limping out of the action at Lansdowne Road was a concern to van Graan.

“I’m worried about him. I thought he was excellent again. His decisionmaking gave us an extra spark and he managed the game really well.

“Hopefully he’s going to be ready for next weekend.”