Van Graan praises Munster players

Munster have made it two from two with their victory over Edinburgh this weekend. They kicked off their campaign with a last gasp victory over Scarlets in Round 1 and take on Cardiff Blues in Round 3.

Despite the fact that both victories have been decidedly narrow, head coach Johann van Graan is encouraged by what his team is doing on the field.

“It’s very tough to manage it but I think we all adapted and that’s one of the goals we set as a group for the year ahead because nobody knows what is going to happen,” van Graan said.

“We had to adapt from Monday evening onwards and we kept everyone informed. We hoped to have gone back on Thursday morning but some of the tests were delayed.

“It was the first time ever I announced a team over Microsoft Teams but we had that at 7:30 on Thursday evening because that was only when we knew that certain guys were unavailable.

“All credit to the staff and the players, we only had one captain’s run on Friday morning and a brilliant result against a top quality side, the guys that won the group last season.

“We’re very happy about that win, a real testament to our fitness. We said this game would go right down to the wire with the quality opposition we faced tonight,” said van Graan.

“And a special mention to Denis Logan our head of athletic performance, this was his last game for Munster Rugby and he’s created a very fit team with his team so very glad about that 80-minute performance.

“It was certainly a massive moment in the game… a phenomenal tackle (from Conway) and Rhys Marshall also working back and getting that turnover. That’s the small margins in these games

“It was a real squad effort this week and great for lads to use their opportunities.

“It wasn’t perfect from the two of them [Healy and Casey] but in terms of composure, specifically from Ben to come back and again slot that kick, very well done against a very good Edinburgh side.”