Former Ireland, Leinster, and Lions center Gordon D'Arcy joined Monday Night Rugby to discuss Munster, Jean Kleyn, and Shane Daly.
Munster beat Leinster in the URC. It's the URC so Leinster weren't at full strength. But it was also a URC semi-final and for Munster, beating an undermanned Leinster side is still massive.
Jack Crowley kicked the game-winning drop goal in the final moments after sitting Harry Byrne down with a big carry. The #10 has been an integral part of Munster's season so far and looks set to make the plane to the World Cup with Ireland later this year.
But it's not really about new players for Munster. Graham Rowntree, Denis Leamy, Mike Prendergast and the rest of the coaching staff have mostly improved what was already there.
And Gordon D'Arcy believes two players in particular show off the improved coaching at Munster.
"Look at the rugby that Jean Kleyn is playing and Shane Daly," D'Arcy said.
"It's night and day to what they were doing 12 months ago. Two of the most consistent players in red jerseys over this season. And both I'm sure are enjoying their rugby...but those two are brilliant examples [of how Rowntree has redirected players in the squad."
D'Arcy notes the addition of Crowley who became a regular starter this season. There are also players such as Malakai Fekitoa and Antoine Frisch who have recently joined the squad. But for the most part it is the same nucleus of players that Johan van Graan used over recent seasons.
"That's the big difference, they're enjoying how they're playing. And they're starting to believe and buy into it. You look at the way they were set up to play under Johann [van Graan] was about damage limitation. You play the statistics, you play the numbers.
"Whereas now they're taking risks. They are calculated risks.
"They're earning their wins and it's good."
Munster will face the DHL Stormers in the URC final. The game will take place in two weeks in South Africa, so Graham Rowntree's side face another perilous trip across the world for a game. Munster beat the Stormers during their most recent trip to the Southern hemisphere.
Leinster will look to rebound against La Rochelle in the Champions Cup final in Dublin this weekend.
What do you say before a World Cup Final? Martin Johnson provides the answer.
Team of Us. Everyone In.
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