JOHANN VAN GRAAN is hopeful that Joey Carbery will play his first game for Munster this season when they take on Leinster at Thomond Park on Saturday (18.00, eir Sport).
But he stressed that Carbery would have a battle on his hands after JJ Hanrahan produced a top class display in the win over Connacht, running the show at out-half and kicking five from five to steer them to a 14-19 victory.
Carbery is almost ready after recovery from a troublesome ankle injury and van Graan said he may be back next weekend.
“It’s possible. A few things still need to go right. He did a bit of training with us on Thursday and obviously he’ll go to the stocktake of the national team and then we won’t train again after Monday until Thursday.
“So, we’ll see him back on Thursday and then we’ll make a decision on his availability.
“Like I said, I’m not going to put him on the field if he’s not 100% right so we’ll make that call if the call is in our hands on Thursday. What I mean by that is if he keeps improving day in, day out.
“From an excitement point of view, I think everybody in the group is looking forward to Joey coming back and I think JJ’s done really well — I think he had an excellent game out there (against Connacht).
“The one thing that Joey knows is he’ll have to fight his way back into the team, possibly from the bench. He can also full-back, so there’s a few options available for us. If and when he becomes available, I really looking to get him back into this team.
“His goal-kicking was 100% again tonight and as an individual and also in a leadership position, the way that the managed the game. In those conditions, it’s not the kind of place where you can open up, you’ve got to keep it tight and I thought he did excellently,” said van Graan.
Hooper is somewhat of an anomaly in that he’s a world class 7 that’s basically never been injured for any notable length of time. Not even 29 and nearly a test centurion. Remarkable when you consider how brutal the game is physically these days.
Hopefully, someone will pick up the broadcast rights over here. The quality in the Top League has been “mixed” in recent years with some big name players on the downswing of their careers chasing a last big payday but there seems to be a real uptick in the quality of players & coaches heading there for next season, so it could make for interesting viewing.
@Del McG: yuuuuuuuppppaaaaa
Why, what is the point of playing in Japan. Its understandable in your mid 30s at the end of your career but in his prime why wouldn’t he move to England or France. Probably get the same money and will play a very competitive level of rugby, rather than just collect a pay check and play in a mickey mouse league
@s mc: you answered your own question there chief
@s mc: Big bucks, not as far from home, can basically stay match fit for a return to Super Rugby and the Wallabies when this passes. Will likely get a big contract in France for a couple of years when he calls it quits on his Wallaby career if he still wants to play at a high level.
@s mc: Even though he has had a break, in Japan he can earn the same money as he would in England and France, and its a lot easier on his body. Who wouldn’t take the easier money?
@Kingshu: I would rather look back on career and have won another meaningful tournament than protecting myself.
@s mc: It may beca longer career to look back on, by taking the Japan option
@s mc: Lad, it’s not that hard. He’s not retiring. He’ll be closer to 29 than 30 when this finishes. Consider it a gap year type arrangement. Still opportunities to win trophies but he’s filling the rugby career dead space with a bit of pick up ball that he gets paid really well for. He’ll do the 6 months, pocket a pay check and slot back in as a world class operator with 4-5 years at the top left in him when it’s done. It’s the smart decision for a guy who’s been playing elite back row rugby for 11 years already.
@s mc: yes