MUNSTER
Ground address Thomond Park, Limerick; Irish Independent Park, Cork
DISCUSSION POINTS
Johann van Graan stepped in to replace Rassie Erasmus part way through the last campaign and he continued the good work on the fundamentals – being in the top three in the league for tries scored while having the second stingiest defence is testament to that impressive march forward.
There will be slight concerns that losses came to teams on the rise like Edinburgh and Cardiff Blues, but then there was also
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trademark Munster ‘fight’ shown, as we witnessed in the oh-so-tight play-off loss to rivals Leinster.
What’s all the more encouraging, though, is the rise of some truly exciting talents. Centres Chris Farrell, Rory Scannell and Jaco Taute are all players who can excite, while Andrew Conway and Darren Sweetnam on the wings can flash past when opposition guards are down. Then there is the old guard of Munster through-and-through monsters…
KEY MAN
Ably assisted by veterans Keith Earls and Conor Murray, and free to pick his moments thanks to the work-rate of CJ Stander, captain Peter O’Mahony is an in-the-trenches
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type leader. For a long time now he has been Munster royalty and we have always known of his thieving ability in the lineout. He is also one of those players who teams all over Europe respect.
ONE TO WATCH
While lock Tadhg Beirne comes in with the promise of turnovers to come, it is exciting young Ireland fly-half Joey Carbery who will garner the most attention. It’s his time to shine, away from the RDS.
WHAT’S REALISTIC?
There is absolutely no doubt they should make the play-offs again. But really they are due to make a big move somewhere. You can expect real pressure on them now.
IF THEY WERE MUSICIANS…
Madonna – Have had several stonking hits in the past, but memories of past glories are beginning to fade a bit now.