Rowntree has faith in Gavin
Munster v Harlequins POOL 2 - Tomorrow, 5.30pm
FORMER England and Lions forwards coach Graham Rowntree says Gavin Coombes is more than ready for his first Heineken Champions Cup start tomorrow.
Coombes will hope to back up his superb PRO14 form when he makes his debut in the back row at Thomond Park against Harlequins.
Rowntree says that Coombes deserves his chance against one his former clubs tomorrow.
“He’s doing everything we’re asking him to do and you can see in his performances he’s gaining confidence in his skills, and he works hard on his game. He’s still got a bit to go in terms of his fitness. He knows that.
“He’s developing, but like a lot of these young guys, they’re diligent. They’ll go out there, they’ll work and we’ve got to drag them off the field in some sessions because they’re just working on their extras, and working on their weaknesses and their strengths.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Gavin. He’s a great example of a guy who’s applied himself and he’s had a taste of what playing feels like and he just wants more and more.”
World Cup winning Springbok Damian de Allende will also make his Heineken Champions Cup debut tomorrow in a Munster side which will be led by Peter O’mahony on his return from international duty.
Johann van Graan has gone for experience at half- back with JJ Hanrahan and Conor Murray starting, with young guns Ben Healy and Craig Casey set to make an impact off the bench.
Keith Earls will make his first appearance of the season for Munster on the left wing.