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Rugby

Tyler Bleyendaal relaxed ahead of Munster's day of reckoning

The final week of the season and Munster know it all comes down to this. It's been a season marke...



Tyler Bleyendaal relaxed ahead...
Rugby

Tyler Bleyendaal relaxed ahead of Munster's day of reckoning

The final week of the season and Munster know it all comes down to this.

It's been a season marked with tragedy off the field with the passing of Anthony Foley, but on the field they have looked ready to scale back to the top of the European game.

That may have to wait until next year, given their exit at the hands of Saracens in the semi-final of the Champions Cup, but they have a chance to put the season behind them with a trophy in the cabinet.

Despite the talk of possibly being crowned Guinness PRO12 champions, fly-half Tyler Bleyendaal is relaxed ahead of their final game of the season.

The Kiwi didn't comment on Leinster's defeat to the Welsh side in the semi-final last Friday night, but pointed out the areas which Scarlets would cause the Irish province trouble.

"I think they've got class from nine to 15 and in their reserves," he said on Monday afternoon. "Their attacking ability, we've all experienced that over the next couple of months.

"Any turnover, any counter-attack or just any chance they get to attack on the break, they seem extremely hungry to score tries."

Bleyendaal returns to the squad after a bicep injury, but insists he's ready for this weekend's game. He added one possible reason as to why he picked up the injury in the first place.

"I'm doing very well I came through the weekend fine. I was probably tackling too much, I've got to stay out of those breakdowns."

Tyler Bleyendaal speaking on Monday afternoon at the Munster Rugby press conference in UL. Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie

The 26-year-old would prefer to leave that to his forwards, who he has said have offered the team a wonderful outlet throughout the year.

"It's been huge for us. Our forwards have been providing that platform for the whole season - to attack from and to relieve pressure on the team."

Bleyendaal said that the team have learned from their comprehensive defeat to Saracens at the Aviva Stadium in Europe's premier club competition.

"If you get under pressure, sometimes you can't stop the bleeding and you make mistakes. Sometimes you can't put your finger on it during those games. We've experienced that.

"It's tough sometimes. You probably saw that when we were playing Saracens. From our situation I'm hoping that we've learned from that and that we're stronger for this final."

With regards to his own game, Bleyendaal says he has been enjoying his time in Munster and what it's brought to his skillset. 

"This is my third season and wrapping that up, I have been enjoying it. I think I've fit into the group well and they've welcomed me here. 

"I like the easy living lifestyle that Limerick brings.  I'm very relaxed here, I feel very much at home."

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