It is no surprise to hear Paul O’Connell is contemplating retirement after the World Cup or, at a push, the end of next season. His body has been through a lot over the years, especially with the way he plays. He never leaves anything out there.
He has endured his fair share of injuries in recent years but has always come back stronger, and added another element to his game. He keeps himself inridiculously good shape and is still in good form. There are no signs of him faltering yet but I’m sure Paul knows best.
There are a lot of variables involved – Paul has two children now and players’ time is increasingly short. There is a lot of travel involved and time that goes into staying at the top of your game. Paul has other commitments now and his family plays a big part of his life.
His goal, a few years back, may have been that [British & Irish] Lions tour to New Zealand in 2017. That is two and a half years away and a big ask. Still, Paul might surprise himself and maintain those high levels, up to and beyond the World Cup. After that, who knows? There might be calls for ‘one more year’. I know Munster would be more than happy to keep playing him.
Once he eventually calls it a day, the natural progression for Paul looks like coaching. He is a spiritual leader for Munster and Ireland, not only on the pitch but away from it. He is a great footballer and very intelligent too. Coaching, though, is very different to playing and involves so many other aspects. That journey, of course, would start with an assistant role to learn the ropes. He is a great man-manager and was always very good with the younger players coming through – taking a personal interest in them and making them feel welcome.
Saracens v Munster
Anything but a win at Allianz Park, on Saturday, will virtually put Munster out of Europe. Once again, they find themselves with their backs to the wall after the defeats to Clermont. They could get a draw then put a bonus point win on Sale – with Saracens away to Clermont on the final day – but that would leave them vulnerable for that best-runner-up slot. Munster are still a team capable of going away and producing great, one-off performances. They will need something similar this weekend.
If they can replicate the Thomond Park performance against Saracens, where they cut down their go-forward ball and kicked intelligently behind the likes of David Strettle and Chris Ashton, they have a chance. Of course, away from home, that is a massive ask. Saracens have a wealth of talent – big Billy Vunipola, Kelly Brown, Jacques Burger. Nullifying front-foot ball will be big task number one. Hopefully, getting James Cronin back in the front row will give use another weapon – the scrum.
CJ Stander has been outstanding for Munster this season. When he goes well, Munster generally goes well. That seems to be the way of it in Europe this season – all the top sides have Number 8s that are providing a lot of go-forward ball. Him playing well on Saturday is pivotal to Munster’s chances.
JJ Hanrahan has come through well, at inside centre, in recent months so that lessens the loss of Andrew Smith. He adds to the team’s attacking options as a second 10 but it will be interesting to see if Anthony Foley goes with him or a more defensive midfield pairing, for example Denis Hurley. Pat Howard has gone well. I was impressed with him against Zebre. He ran a switch-line with with Ian Keatley and still managed to show up on his outside shoulder, seconds later, for Felix Jones’ try. That is an example of his work-rate and agility. You have Keith Earls back as an option – perhaps off the bench – in the middle or on either wing.
As for JJ’s move to Northampton Saints, obviously wages came into it but, I feel, he has moved to progress his career. He has huge potential but Foley has gone with the experience of Keatley and JJ has made the call. Ronan O’Gara did not walk straight into the Munster team, when he started, but club rugby was bigger back then [the late 1990s] and he gained vital experience that way. He has gone to an extremely good Saints side and can only benefit from playing 10 alongside some very, very talented players.
Hopefully it can be like farming him out. Munster could get back a world-class out-half in a few years, but it will cost them a lot more money.
Leinster v Castres
Derby games can be great for building momentum and getting used to that big match intensity ahead of European games. Leinster have benefited hugely from their interprovincial games, and wins against Connacht and Ulster, over the holidays.
Castres are struggling in the Top 14 and should not put up much of a challenge. Leinster are level with Harlequins [but behind on head-to-head points difference]. They would like the bonus point win but they would happily take any home win and leave qualification up to getting that victory away to Wasps.
A lot of their big names, such as Cian Healy and Sean O’Brien, are coming back but these games come too soon. If they can progress to the quarter finals, they will have those guys back and should be in good shape. Luke Fitzgerald will be their key player this weekend. He is in flying form now and has added a lot to the Leinster backline since his own return. Zane Kirchner [out for four weeks] is a loss but hopefully Fergus McFadden will be okay to take his place.
