Live

Highlights on Off The Ball

07:00 AM-01:00 PM

Highlights on Off The Ball
Advertisement
Rugby

Is Johann van Graan losing Munster's identity?

The Sunday Paper Review discussed whether Johann van Graan is losing an essential part of the Mun...



Rugby

Is Johann van Graan losing Munster's identity?

The Sunday Paper Review discussed whether Johann van Graan is losing an essential part of the Munster identity.

David Sneyd and the Irish Daily Mail's Hugh Farrelly joined Joe Molloy ahead of Munster's match with Racing 92, and Farrelly began by contrasting with their provincial rivals.

After Munster's comprehensive 39 - 22 loss to Racing 92,

"The Leinster turnaround in [identity] is remarkable, they used to be always a team that used to be seen as weak," said Farrelly.

Unhappy Munster?

"You could have 21 players of the 23 from the province, and now it has gone beyond the D4 traditional environs - it is very impressive that that bit of dog is in them," said Farrelly before decrying the 'dilution' of identity within Munster.

"I would love to see them win [against Racing 92] and I would love to be proven wrong, and maybe victory can focus the minds," Farrelly said of Munster.

Farrelly has written a piece to that effect, and - while not revealing any of his sources - gave some insight as to feeling on the ground in Limerick.

"I do think that there is a sense that he is not putting his stamp on the team."

"He knows the game and, to be fair to him, this is his first role as a head coach.

"Munster have not won a trophy since 2011. These are the guys that were the kings of Irish and European rugby and they are pushing ten years without a trophy.

"This 'transition' is still hanging around and people are just sick of transition.

"When he comes out and says he needs more time - which is understandable with [Stephen] Larkham and [Graham] Rowntree bedding in - but patience has worn thin on the time taken."

Subscribe to Off The Ball's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.


Read more about

Champions Cup Heineken Champions Cup Heineken Cup Johann Van Graan Munster Racing 92