Graeme Rowntree has backed Munster to come good against a Springbok-infused Sharks team in Durban following another poor start to the season.
After suffering three losses in their first five games, including their most recent defeat to the DHL Stormers in Cape Town, Munster find themselves in familiar territory as they prepare to face a powerful Sharks team at Kings Park on Saturday.
Rowntree’s Munster tenure has been marked by overcoming adversity. His first season began with five defeats in seven games but ended with a stunning run of away wins and the URC title victory in Cape Town. Last season saw another wobble around Christmas, yet Munster still finished top of the table.
Now, Munster are desperate to avoid finishing the opening blocks of the season with just two wins and four losses. They currently sit 11th on the table, 14 points adrift of leaders Leinster, with questions being asked of their defence, lineout and growing injury list.
“You’ve got to roll your sleeves up,” Rowntree said. “You’ve got to roll with the punches. You get on with it. Injuries come and go throughout the season. Obviously, we’ve had a tough period with that and we have done before.
“You get on with it and you test your squad depth. As I’ve said before, we’re lucky that a lot of the young men are training with us every day so we can dip into the academy props, for example. And some young men have done some famous things for us.
“So, that’s in the back of your mind: you’re testing your squad depth, naturally, with injuries. But you get on with it, don’t ya? You get on with it. Fix what you can.”
Munster’s loss to the Stormers exposed issues across the board, from their lineout to their handling errors and restarts, but Rowntree has maintained confidence in his side’s defence.
We were happier with our defence than other aspects of the game, put it that way. Our defence has been very consistent the last two seasons. It’s been the best for the last two seasons.”
Facing the Sharks in Durban presents Munster with another level of challenge. With 11 Springboks in their squad, including World Cup winner Eben Etzebeth and former Munster and Leinster lock Jason Jenkins, the Sharks have a formidable pack.
“I’m fairly confident that if we can improve our mechanics, our speed, our lift, our throwing accuracy, that will improve our lineout,” said Rowntree. “If we take the right option that will improve our lineout. I am not here to consider inside knowledge. A lot of people, lineout calling is the same. It is about who can get in there quicker, who can move quicker than the opposition.
“It’s a big game. It’s pretty much a Springbok pack waiting for us Saturday in the heat in Durban. What gives me comfort is we’ve done it before.”
Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
