This bodes so, so well.
Joey Carbery was playing in the city of Munster legend Ronan O’Gara but he took it all in his stride.
The Munster outhalf was making his first start for the province and must have been thankful that Ospreys left several of their Welsh stars at home.
Allen Clarke’s men gave it a rattle in the opening stages but a penalty try – orchestrated by Munster captain Peter O’Mahony – was effectively game over. Munster had lost to Glasgow last weekend but they were dialled in from the get-go.
WELCOME TO MUNSTER JOEY CARBERY!!!
First kickable penalty and Peter O'Mahony tells him to kick for a 5m lineout!
Game is live on @eirSport right now
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) September 14, 2018
That decision from O’Mahony paid off and, with Ospreys also down to 14 men, Carbery drove home the advantage.
Funnily enough, given the fact that he moved south to get more game time in the 10 jersey, Carbery’s score came from the fullback position as he dropped back to retrieve a clearing kick. His counter-attack was sublime and had the Munster faithful on their feet.
Joey Carbery 👏👏👏
What a way to mark your first start for @Munsterrugby!
Munster 14-3 Ospreys. LIVE now on eir sport 1! #MUNvOSP pic.twitter.com/kPcWiaoan0
— eir Sport (@eirSport) September 14, 2018
Carbery had his back slapped off him but he quickly waved off the congratulations and focused on the task at hand.
His blood must have been pumping. His breath short. Doing exactly what he had promised himself he would do when he packed his bags and set off from all that he knew and loved at Leinster.
His conversion attempt was from the left-hand touchline but he absolutely nailed it. That kick, we suspect, would have pleased Carbery just as much as his electric score. Maybe even more.
Munster put the boot down after that and further tries from James Cronin and Rhys Marshall had a bonus point bagged before half-time. As for Carbery, three kicks and three successes.
