JOHANN VAN GRAAN is hoping that his final game in charge of Munster against arch rivals Leinster at Thomond Park will produce the performance and result which will not only close the gap at the top of the URC table, but also give them a perfect springboard into their Champions Cup clashes against Exeter Chiefs.
And he’s confident that a dry ball and firmer pitch will suit both sides and produce a high quality game as both Leinster and themselves look for a big boost heading into the business end of the season.
“I think with the way we’ve played in the last five weeks specifically, we’re looking to keep some ball in hand,” said van Graan, who will head to Bath in three months.
“Obviously they’re exceptional with ball in hand so I think both teams will play positive rugby, both are also the best defensively in Europe, conceding something around 1.4 tries per game.
“And I think the tactical battle, they have kicked a lot in behind us. Depending on who plays 10, they pepper our back three with high balls so it’s getting the balance between the kicking game, attack and defence, and most importantly the breakdown battle.”
Both sides know each other inside out and van Graan expects a game of tight margins in Limerick tomorrow night and knows there will be little between them in the exchanges.
I think both teams have got some phenomenal poachers, ball carriers, I think of someone like Josh van der Flier specifically, who has become one of the very best ball carriers in the game, I would say.
“So great challengers on both sides of the ball, from our side I think someone like Gavin Coombes is carrying exceptionally well.
“So many battles to look forward to, I think of the centres, I think of the 9s and 10s, the front rows, the back threes, you can literally go all across the park.
“Very exciting from our side and like I said, it’s always great when Leinster play Munster.”
Munster bounced back from their double loss in South Africa by hammering Benetton Rugby 51-22 at the weekend and van Graan said while there is considerable knowledge about Leinster, they really need to concentrate on what they themselves can produce.
“We have got to focus on ourselves this weekend. We know that we have to be at our best to have a chance to beat them and they’re currently top of the league in the URC, so it’s a very good challenge for us to play against them at Thomond Park,” added the South African.
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He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)