REDS’ GRAAN PLAN
Munster boss Johann is determined weary fans are entertained
JOHANN VAN GRAAN admits it is a constant battle for players and coaches as the rugby landscape keeps changing due to the Covid- 19 crisis.
But he i s determined they will continue to adapt as they attempt to provide a welcome distraction for supporters during the pandemic.
The South African, who saw his si de hol d Connacht at bay on Saturday, admitted: “Our theme since this lockdown started way back in March is ‘ Change or be changed’. We know that change g i s the only y certainty at this s stage.
“But we are so o lucky to be able to play rugby. When we drove in for this s game we said, a s t h e f o u r provinces, at l east we are giving people an out for their mental space.
“I t i s a b o u t doi n g what we love and we are certainly doing that. We have such empathy with everybody and we have just got to make sure we all get through this.
“I t i s s o s e r i o u s , way more important than rugby, so if we can play any part in putting a few smiles on peoples’ faces that is great.
“We are getting accustomed to having to adapt so we will just adapt as best we can and take anything that comes our way.”
Van Graan’s men bounced back from their only loss this season by increasing the gap on Connacht at the top p of the conference – after surviving a frantic f late rally from the home side. A n d y Fr i e n d ’s me men got a lifeline wh when Peter Sulli livan got over f for his first try f or Connacht tw o minut e s f r o m t i m e , w h i c h J a c k C Carty converted f ro rom t he r i ght tou touchline to cut a 16- 3 lead to just six points. And, with replacements Rory Scannell and Nick Mccarthy in the bin, the Reds looked set to be caught at the death when Connacht piled on the pressure.
Vet eran Bi l l y Holl and deni ed Sullivan a second try and then on the other wing Ultan Dillane skipped i nsi d e Ben Healy b e f ore b e i ng swallowed up.
Munster had led 10- 3 at the break thanks in part to a Chris Farrell try ( inset) while Shane Delahunt was serving a yellow card punishment.
Two penalties from JJ Hanrahan after the break, taking his tally to 11 p oi nt s , pr ov e d j ust e nough a s Munster survived that frenetic finish.
“We are pleased with the victory but it is a really tough place to come to, specifically against a side that is very high on confidence,” added van Graan.
“They did really well in the last 20 minutes of the game and we’re really glad we came through this one.
“Connacht are currently one of the best sides in Europe once they get into your 22, they just keep coming and they are so patient.”