Van Graan’s style beginning to shine through

GREEN SHOOTS of progress are beginning to show according to Munster Head Coach Johann van Graan three games into the Guinness Pro14 season. With the Heineken Champions Cup only three weeks away, van Graan has been encouraged by aspects of Munster’s play this term but admits that there is still plenty of work to do.

“It’s a team effort. I think everybody involved is working tirelessly to improve us. I think some of the skill work is improving. The most impressive thing for me is our broken field play. For the first try, we went hard in defence, turned it over, quality passing, a quick break and some good running lines.

“I think we are improving but like I said, it’s such a long season. We would like to improve week by week. I think it’s the total game that we are looking for but by no means are we there yet but it’s good signs.”

Munster had a comfortable win over the Ospreys in Cork last Friday and face Welsh opposition again this weekend when they visit Cardiff Blues. Van Graan has strengthened his squad significantly in the off-season.

Chris Cloete was playing his first game since February after arm and groin injuries and his work at the breakdown especially caught the eye. Van Graan will have a selection headache in the back row with CJ Stander, Jack O’Donoghue and Conor Oliver still to make an appearance this season but it’s one he is delighted to have.

“The most important thing is that we have options available. At certain stages last season, I take you back to the Toulon week, we didn’t have a lot of options and we had to play a lot of guys out of position. We were literally on our last man standing and it’s great to have those options available now.”

Munster face a Cardiff side that have three losses from their outings this season but that doesn’t tell the full story. The Welsh outfit have lost those games by a combined total of five points and van Graan is expecting a tough challenge against a team that beat Munster 25-18 in the reverse fixture last season.

“If you look at the results then you might get caught with your pants down,” said van Graan. “They are a quality side. The first game of the season against Leinster, they were up by quite a bit and lost it right at the end.

“Basically all three games they lost at the end. We learned our lesson last year in February. They didn’t play in a final in Europe for nothing. They are a quality side and we will have to play well to beat them.”