WHAT a way to take a break from action for the Munster squad with that very impressive performance against Dragons in Rodney Parade.
A blistering opening salvo of 31 unanswered points sealed the bonus point and the rest was just a formality.
It was the perfect fixture to give Munster’s eager reserves a chance to prove themselves and by gosh, did they grasp the opportunity.
Full-back Ben O’Connor has been waiting for his chance to shine since he was spotted in the PBC jersey. From his Munster Junior Cup days through to his school’s Senior Cup displays, his contribution has sent St Munchin’s College and Crescent College sides home too often empty-handed.
As well as his overall ability ball in hand, O’Connor is also a gifted place kicker. In a nutshell, a player with much promise.
The match of the Six Nations opening weekend is a battle between Ireland and England in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening (February 1).
While the format of the Ireland side will be predictable, the England starting XV promises to be interesting.
Tadhg Furlong’s withdrawal with an injury is a blow and could see Jack Boyle become Ireland’s newest cap. The 22-year-old made a strong impression during the Autumn series as a training panellist and he caught the eye of coach Simon Easterby on his debut for Leinster in the Champions Cup against the Bristol Bears.
With Leinster players to dominate the selected side, Munster’s ‘fantastic five’ (Tadgh Beirne, Peter O’Mahony, Jack Crowley, Conor Murray and Calvin Nash) will be hoping to be named in the match-day squad.
Will it be Sam Prendergast or Crowley to start?
Tadhg Beirne is a certainty, while O’Mahony and Nash could be on the bench.
On the AIL front, as it stands two of our most famous clubs, Garryowen and Shannon, are worryingly looking at action in Division 1B and 2A respectively next season.
In the top-flight, Young Munster are our main flagbearers, currently positioned seventh.
