Munster are still in the market for a head coach with Ian Costelloe still in interim charge along with Mike Prendergast, Denis Leamy and Mossie Lawlor with the latter trio all signing contract extensions in the weeks following Graham Rowntree’s departure.
Munster will look to the break after the next two rounds in the Champions Cup against Saracens in Limerick and then another trip to face Northampton Saints in Franklins Gardens. Munster have one win and one loss in Europe and will look put the defeat against Leinster to one side. No better than the visit of two of England’s best club sides currently to focus the mind of players, coaches and supporters.
The last few months have felt like Munster have just drifted along picking up the odd win and being happy with their lot. Injury again has had a part to play with a full team of 15 players still out injured. Some of them will be on the comeback trail while we wait to see when men like Roman Salanoa will be cleared to return to action.
Clarity is needed for the Munster supporters, they have been down this route far too often in the last 8 years. Munster are back looking for stability after a solid period under Graham Rowntree that saw them win the URC in 2023.
Ian Flanagan who is the Munster CEO does need to provide real clarity around the coaching situation asap. Not the odd quote after a Q&A session that will be quickly forgotten. Yes a few wins in the URC will get Munster back climbing up the table and back into the top half.
Given how the first half of the year went for Munster it is crucial they find consistency in the second half of the campaign. They will know they will get certain players back from injury but others need to step up.
In the short term, Saracens and Northampton will be the main focus on the field but for those behind the scenes, it is time to put the shoulder to the wheel and help bring in the head coach they feel will help steady things.
I realise it may not be as easy as I make it out to be for various reasons but one statement and not sound bites would solve all the questions as well as help end the speculation surrounding the job. Those in the IRFU alongside those at branch level have plenty of plates in the air at the moment but Munster in particular have been here far too often in recent years.
The season hasn’t gone to waste and certainly isn’t over as I say, two big games in the Champions Cup against familiar opponents will get the juices flowing over the next 2 weeks. Munster will again need to circle the wagons and steel themselves for two tough battles with two sides who have been free scoring domestically.
Northampton went to South Africa and beat the Bulls and that victory put them in pole position to secure last 16 qualification this weekend after beating Castres comfortably in week 1.
Saracens will fancy their chances this weekend of coming to Limerick and picking up maximum points and that is the type of situation where Munster would previously have licked their lips and fired every shot they possibly could to gain victory. No better time then than now to remind everyone in Europe that they haven’t gone away…. I have a feeling that Saturday evening, 5.30pm kick off in Thomond Park could be very much like the old days. A cocky English side coming to Limerick looking for a win and here’s hoping the reaction they get on the pitch as well as in the Stands mirrors those old days….