Former Munster star Tomás O’Leary is looking forward to a historic occasion at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Thursday evening, although he admits it will be very difficult for Munster to pick up the win against South Africa ‘A.’
The Boks bring a squad loaded with international experience. Over a dozen of the 23 are full internationals and in front of a jam-packed Páirc Uí Chaoimh, which is hosting a rugby game for the first time, O’Leary is expecting a young Munster side to be up against it.
“It’s definitely going to be a hard one. You look at the games in the past and there was a memorable game against the All Blacks in Thomond Park. I was at that game, and it was one of the best atmospheres I have ever experienced, so hopefully, there will be something akin to that.
“But that Munster team was far more experienced. You had a really established Munster cohort and that illustrates the strength of that Munster squad at the time.”
Munster of have a proud tradition of putting up a fight against countries whenever they play against them, famously coming up just shy in an 18-16 defeat to the All Blacks in 2008 on the 30th anniversary of Munster’s win over the Kiwis. That squad however was far more experienced and contained a litany of top-class international players like Doug Howlett, Peter Stringer and Denis Leamy.
Despite this Munster squad lacking that level experience, O’Leary still feels Thursday represents an opportunity for youngsters to make a name for themselves.
“There’s an inexperienced group most likely to take the pitch on Thursday night. I think that eases the pressure, there’s no expectation, and there’s no pressure with league points or European Cup qualification.
“I think it’s almost a free shot. And if I was a young kid coming in, I’d be frothing at the mouth with the possibility of pitching myself against Internationals.
“It’s a shot to nothing. Hopefully, they can play without fear and with a bit of abandon.
“The lads will walk into a full Páirc Uí Chaoimh and hopefully that will inspire them."
Last weekend, Munster legend Conor Murray became Ireland’s latest centurion when he captained the side to a 19-16 victory over the reigning World Champions. Murray burst onto the scene at a time when O’Leary himself was first choice scrum half for Munster and Ireland. And despite being ousted by Murray, O’Leary holds no grudge against his former teammate.
“Unbelievable. To get a hundred caps, we all know how much of a milestone that is. It speaks to his consistency. Was he world player of the year a few years ago? His list of achievements speaks for themselves.
“He’s probably had a difficult few years, but again it just speaks to his character, his resolve and his ability that he was able to come back after injury and come back after I suppose a dip in form and perform so well in the first half last weekend.
“When he broke onto the scene first, I was probably the victim of that and I lost out on my place. But that’s rugby, and I probably couldn’t have been losing out to a nicer guy.
“Any fella that achieves a hundred caps speaks to their professionalism, speaks to their ability, and speaks to their commitment.
“Murr has been a brilliant player for Munster and Ireland. He showed that winning his hundredth cap the last day and his performance was very good so it’s great to see him back being at that level.”
One of the bright lights in a difficult campaign so far for Munster has been Jack Crowley. At just 22 years of age, Crowley has already turned in impressive performances on an Emerging Ireland tour and was one of the better performers in Ireland ‘A’s’ heavy defeat to the All Blacks ‘XV’ last Friday. O’Leary has been impressed by the youngster and is even tipping him for a potential spot in next year’s World Cup squad.
“He’s at that level where he can push on and maybe be an outsider to break into the Irish squad for a World Cup next year, so I think that will be his target.
“The last day (Against NZ XV), Ireland were overpowered and a bit off. For a half-back, when you’re not getting front foot ball, it’s very difficult to look good and dictate terms.
“Jack showed a lot of glimpses of his ability in a team that was well and truly defeated and that’s a good sign for a young man.”
Thursday evening could well be Ben Healy’s moment to shine in the 10 shirt. With Joey Carbery on Ireland duty and Crowley not released to the squad, Healy is expected to start at out-half.
“He’s mixed the very good with the tougher times at 10, but again that’s a part of the learning curve being a half-back with Munster. His kicking generally off the tee is excellent, and his confidence to step up and take those kicks is very admirable.
“This is an opportunity now for Ben to step up again and remind the Munster management that he should be the incumbent number 10. And it’s a massive opportunity for him to put his stamp on this team.”
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* Tomás O'Leary was speaking in his role as Pinergy ambassador. Pinergy are the official presenting partner of Munster Rugby’s historic clash with South Africa Select XV at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork this Thursday, November 10th. With excitement building across Munster this week, Pinergy is calling on supporters across the province to join them in #PoweringTheDifference for the team on the night, encouraging fans to wear red for the clash. Pinergy will also be powering Páirc Uí Chaoimh in full Munster voice for the game, as they will be joined by the Munster Rugby Supporters Choir, who will energise the 41,000 strong crowd with what is set to be a rousing rendition of Stand Up And Fight.
