Ireland’s Grand slam winning scrum-half Conor Murray says Munster will reap the benefits of Johann Van Grann’s coaching skills after the south African has a full pre-season to implement his style of play.
Murray hopes Van Grann can turn Munster into a squad that knows exactly what makes them tick, a lot like Ireland under Joe Schmidt.
Murray spoke with OTB’S Nathan Murphy at today’s PRO 14’s Eir Sport television launch.
”I’ve been through quite a number of coaches at Munster. I’d be lying if I told you that it wasn’t frustrating because to look at Ireland, for a minute - I know we’ve had Joe for such a stretched period of time, immediately we won a Six Nations but he has built us in to a fantastic squad. A squad that knows exactly what they are about, and that’s what we are searching for at Munster,’ said Murray
While Murray admits is been a frustrating period for players with such a high turnover of coaching staff in the past number of seasons. He believes it has been a period of transition for the coaching staff rather than the players. The Munster number nine think there’s enough experience amongst the players because of past results, but says they need consistent tactics and game planning to get over the final hurdle.
“I don’t think there’s been a transition period in playing personnel. Like you said, we’ve been to finals and semi-finals over the last few years. The standard of play is there it’s just finding that consistency of coaching, of game plan, of understanding, that will definitely aid us getting over that final hurdle.”
The Limerick man says Van Grann made immediate improvements in certain areas for the province, despite taking over at a very difficult time.
“I think, like you said, he came in at a difficult time. He didn’t want to disrupt that too much. Like you said, it is the middle of the season. It is a really difficult time to come in and implement your style of play. In fairness to Johann, he said that to us; that he didn’t want to touch, too much this year but at the same time he has implemented a few things this year that have definitely made us a better team already.
He believes the South Africa is genuinely excited at the prospect of having a full pre-season at the helm. Murray thinks the side can grow under the Van Grann and find the consistency to win silverware.
"I can tell by him. I can tell by him - He’s relishing the chance to set up a pre-season in the style he wants, and just fix a few things that will make us better for next year. We haven’t had that in a while, and hopefully it will aid us and continue to grow.”
You can watch the full interview above on our Youtube channel
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