MUNSTER’s backs coach Jason Holland will be at a loose end this week as he has an unexpected weekend off. Munster, who were due to play Aironi this weekend in Italy, have had their game called off due to adverse weather conditions in Southern Europe.
“We had planned to stay in Italy for the week next week. With the Treviso game down for next weekend we had planned to play this weekend and remain in Italy as a squad. This is not possible now so we will have to treat next week a little differently” commented Holland
Munster, who lie third in the table, 10 points off of leaders Leinster, face Treviso next weekend knowing that they could be out of the top four depending on results. With all of their international players away, Munster’s squad depth is being tested to the full.
“These weeks are crucial for us as coaches. We manage to get through some great work with the lads and they learn far more in these weeks that they might do in ERC weeks. We can run through patterns and moves as well as getting across to the younger players what is expected of them”
The senior Munster players left the camp in high spirits. With six wins from six, Munster finished the group stages o the Heineken Cup with arguably their best backline performance in memory against Northampton. A performance Holland knew was coming.
“There was nothing special about that week’s preparation to be honest. A performance like that was always coming. We needed to get the simple things right. We needed more pace and more depth. We got that against the Saints and you can see where it got us.”
With Wales having performed well in attack against Ireland last weekend, PostSport asked Holland if he felt that Ireland can perform to those levels?
“Of course we can. They might be a little bigger but we should use that against them. Ireland’s defensive line speed needs to improve, but they will get there. The bigger they are, the slower they turn”
In other Munster news, the IRFU announced this week that it has secured the signatures of Ireland internationals Keith Earls and Denis Leamy that will see them remain with Munster for a further two years until 2014.
Leamy, who is currently recovering from surgery on a hip injury said: “I’m delighted that my contract has been sorted and that I can concentrate on getting back on the field as soon as possible. I’ve achieved a lot in my career, but there is always the desire to try to continue that and achieve even more. It also makes it more pleasing to do that with Munster and to remain here in Ireland with my home province.”
Keith Earls added: “I’m excited about getting back in with the Ireland squad this week and hopefully getting the chance to play against France this weekend in the tournament (Six Nations). I’m really happy to get my contract completed as well. Munster has been my only home as a player and growing up only a few hundred yards from Thomond Park, it was always a dream to play for them and to represent Ireland, so I’m delighted to remain a Munster player.”
