WATCH: Johann van Grann – Normally I’m on the beach playing with my boys on the 26th of December in the sunshine now it’s Munster versus Leinster

Johann van Graan cut a content figure at Munster’s pre Leinster press briefing this week and why wouldn’t he.

The South African laughed off suggestions (made somewhat tongue and cheek) that he had an armchair ride in his first few weeks at the province. Last week it was his first test of European back to back action, now it will be his first taste of the Munster – Leinster interpro rivalry.

In his first head coaching position van Graan says managing team selection with the IRFU’s player welfare policy is a balancing act but it looking forward to the challenge of another crucial month of rugby in Munster’s season.

“Obviously there’s certain protocols in place, player welfare, national contracts, they’re working between the Irish provinces and the IRFU. That’s also a very busy period with three games in 11 days for Munster and Leinster so all the Irish guys won’t play in all three games. It’s a fine balancing act.

“After these three games we’ve got the two massive games in Europe left so the next 25 to 30 days will be crucial in everybody’s season in Ireland so I Guess its getting the best out of your team and your personnel and your squad depths are going to be tested. But it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to and looking forward to seeing guys play”

The blood and thunder of a St Stephen’s day Interpro clash is a far cry from how the South African would have spent his previous Christmas holidays but in what is going to be a season of firsts, the former Springbok assistant is enjoying the experience.

“I’ve just taken it day by day and enjoyed every single day. Obviously a lot to get used to, these Inter provincials will be something new to get used to again for me. Normally I’m on the beach playing with my boys on the 26^th of December in the sunshine now it’s Munster versus Leinster.

“I can’t wait for the game I can’t wait for the preparation and its lovely to be part of something new. Like I said before its not about me its about the team so hopefully we’ll improve week by week. I thought we did well over the weekend and hopefully we can put in another good weeks preparation. It will be a big game come next week, Munster Versus Leinster sold out Thomond park

The Munster camp go into the game on the back of a fine run of form that has seen them take their European destiny very much in their own hands while also managing to establish themselves in a Pro14 play off place in their conference.

But while on field matters have been going well, Munster have also managed to get two massive contract negotiation over the line in recent weeks with both Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander signing extended deals with the province. Van Grann was quick to sing the praises of a player he coached at the Bulls.

“Yeah it’s a massive boost. World class player, fantastic individual. I coached CJ when he was still a junior at the Bulls, coached him at super rugby level to see how he’s grown as a man, as a husband as a rugby player, he’s become Irish he puts his body on the line every single weekend.

“To know that he is going to be at Munster for the next few years not only as a player, but in a leadership position he’s got big dreams to go to the world cup if he gets selected. If you want to be successful as a team you want big players playing in big games”

All in all it van Graan has had a fine start to his Munster tenure, of course there will be defeats, of course their will be bad days but we can only judge the little we have seen so far and that has been impressive. Following the vital away win agains the Leicester, the BT cameras revealed a shot of van Graan looking skyward.

Click on the video below to hear what he was thinking at the end of the final whistle.