Micko’s Men Set For Eagles

As Munster ‘A’ get set to host Connacht Eagles at Thomond Park this Thursday at 3pm (free admission), we get the pre-match thoughts of Head Coach Mick O’Driscoll.

This Thursday sees O’Driscoll and his men look to build on an impressive 30-24 win over the Ulster Ravens at Nenagh Ormond almost a fortnight ago.

“It was good to get the result against Ulster Ravens, especially as two particularly strong ‘A’ sides took to the field for that game. There was also a lot of younger guys getting experience and playing in such strong sides will develop them as they get a feel for rugby at the next level. Other senior lads who needed rugby got a good run out in the game too so it was good in that light also.

“Hopefully this Thursday we’ll have a mixture of the Senior, Academy and Club lads again. As an example of the younger lads, we may have the likes of John Madigan (Academy) and Frank Bradshaw Ryan (Shannon). It will be good for them to get some game time at this level and they’ll have plenty experience around them too which will help.”

The progression of Munster ‘A’ captain Jack O’Donoghue is testament to the benefit of British & Irish Cup and interprovincial fixtures, with the 21 year old picking up invaluable experience that has seen him progress to seven PRO12 appearances so far this season – scoring two tries in the process.

“A guy like him, he shows what he can do in ‘A’ games and we see how far that’s brought him very quickly. Had there not been ‘A’ games then I’m not sure that Jack would be featuring in the Senior side this season. So in that sense it shows the importance of us playing these games.”

As players look to impress, with many hoping to win selection in the final stages of the PRO12, O’Driscoll is looking forward to another keenly contested interprovincial.

“It will be very interesting no matter what happens. It’s vital to get guys playing at this level so they start playing our systems, our processes and that is really beneficial for them and for us as coaches – it gives us a better picture of a player, what they’re good at and what they need to work on.

“For us we’ll certainly be trying to play a good brand of rugby and I know Connacht will be the same. A lot of lads are looking to put their hands up for selection heading towards the business end of the season and we hope they’ll put in a good showing.”

Make the most of the Easter break, and with free admission to all at the gate, bring the whole family to enjoy Thursday's action at Thomond Park.

Munster A v Connacht Eagles, Thursday April 2nd at Thomond Park – KO 3pm.