John Hodnett | Munster a “tighter knit group” after South Africa trip

Munster flanker John Hodnett spoke to the media this week ahead of Friday Night’s game against Benetton in the URC

Munster are back on home soil this week as they prepare for Benetton on Friday night with both of their previous games taking place in South Africa.

Despite a disappointing result the last time out against the Lions, flanker John Hodnett has come back feeling refreshed and smarter after the South Africa trip.

The Munster forward said he has used the trip as a learning curve and is back and rearing to go again.

Reflecting on playing in the South Africa heat, Hodnett said,

“Definitely the two toughest games I’ve ever played just with the heat and the altitude it was so hard to recover and get back in the game, and stay in it for 80 minutes.

“We were disappointed with the two losses but I think as a group we probably gained a lot, especially for a lot of younger players like myself, it was a lot of players first time being out in South Africa and playing game. I suppose the altitude and heat obviously had a big massive impact on the game. “

Even in defeat, the young flanker looks at the trip in a positive light, saying the squad is a “tighter knit group” after their travels as they now look ahead to Benetton in Musgrave Park.

“I suppose you’re obviously going to spend a lot more time with fellas around the squad so you get to know everyone a bit better. I suppose there’s a bit of a tighter knit group after it because you’re spending 24 hours of the day with each other, so it definitely improves getting to know each other anyway.

“I haven’t played against them myself before but looking at their team at previewing their a strong side we’re under no illusions it’ll be a very tough game but I feel we’re prepping well and trained well today so really looking forward to it.”

Watch the interview with Hodnett and Backs Coach Stephen Larkham below.