WHILE IRELAND INTERNATIONAL wing Darren Sweetnam was the star of the show and experienced captain Tommy O’Donnell impressed, Munster’s win over London Irish last night was also notable for the manner in which a number of the province’s younger players stood up.
Pre-season games might seem meaningless to critics – or purely about players getting their fitness levels up – but for emerging prospects, these fixtures are a big deal.
Gavin Coombes did well for Munster. Source: Inpho/Billy Stickland
A chance to convince their coach that they deserve a shot in the early rounds of the Pro14, a first opportunity to wear a senior Munster jersey – several promising youngsters did those things at Musgrave Park.
On what was a good night for West Cork, 20-year-old Gavin Coombes – moving into Year 3 of the academy – was a powerful presence at number eight for Munster.
The Skibbereen RFC product, who has shone in the AIL with Young Munster, is a large physical specimen and Munster head coach Johann van Graan was pleased with his impact in contact, defensively and with the ball.
The back row was joined on the pitch by his cousin, Liam Coombes, in the second half, as the Garryowen wing got 40 minutes of game time and contributed several exciting touches on what was his first senior appearance for Munster.
Year 3 academy centre Shane Daly was another to show well off the bench, having spent last season impressing for Ireland 7s. The Cork Con midfielder came on at half-time and was replaced by club-mate Alex McHenry, now moving into second year of the academy, in the final 10 minutes.
Centre Shane Daly has some nice touches after coming off the bench. Source: Inpho/Billy Stickland
Tipp native Sean O’Connor, a Year 3 academy player, made an impression in his 27-minute stint off the bench. Also at home in the second row, the 21-year-old Garryowen man showed his lineout skills and work rate from the blindside flank.