WATCH: van Graan expecting a “battle” in Castres this Saturday

For Johann van Graan, Munster’s 30-5 defeat of Castres in Thomond Park may have come at an expense with Joey Carbery and Chris Farrell both withdrawing from the game on the day due to injury.

Despite this, van Graan is optimistic ahead of the return fixture highlighting how well the replacements, JJ Hanrahan, who was awarded man of the match and Sammy Arnold did in their places.

“I think there’s two answers to it, a yes and a no.”

“Yes, it is difficult because you’ve planned all week according to personal and then there’s a no to it because the players stepped in brilliantly to it.”

Munster will take encouragement from the comprehensive win in Limerick last Sunday but know there is plenty of work to do in Castres.

Munster were dominant in Thomond and will have been disappointed not to come away with a bonus point win, having scuppered a number of chances throughout, something that makes getting something out of this weekends game crucial.

Also, French teams generally perform much better at home so this clash promises to be a completely different kind of game, something van Graan is looking forward to.

“I think this week will be another battle between two sides who clearly want to win and that’s what you want in sport.”

See the full interview with van Graan below on our YouTube channel!

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