WATCH – Johann van Graan says Tadhg Beirne is one of the best forwards in Europe ahead of Scarlets clash

Johann van Graan knows that this Saturday will be a real test as the Scarlets visit Thomond Park. The South African says he will be forced to put out a young back line due to the number of injuries in the squad, with the likes of Calvin Nash and Sammy Arnold coming in to fill the void.

The Munster boss will have the chance to assess new signing Tadhg Beirne in real time this weekend, a player who he speaks highly of.

“Tadhg Beirne who’s coming to Munster is by a long way in my opinion the best forward in the Pro 14 if not Europe this year. He’s got by a long way the most breakdown steals, some of the broken field ball carrying, his line out ability, he’s a fantastic player.”

Van Graan will need his forwards to be on their game to deal with the likes of Beirne at the breakdown, an area that he believes the Welsh side will target.

“Scarlets are a fantastic team. I looked at them over the last week. They beat Munster the last two times they played, and quite convincingly. They’re a brilliant broken-field side and maybe their biggest threat is the breakdown”

Watch the full video below.