Manning On Learning Curve

UCC student Jeremy Manning’s 20-minute cameo in Munster’s 9-7 Celtic League win over Borders on Friday night caught the eye of coach Declan Kidney.

Jeremy Manning kicking the winner against Borders

UCC student Jeremy Manning’s 20-minute cameo in Munster’s 9-7 Celtic League win over Borders on Friday night caught the eye of coach Declan Kidney.

The 19-year-old New Zealand-born fly-half pinged over the match-winning penalty, barely minutes after coming on as a replacement for Paul Burke. The scrum-capped boy wonder turns 20 next Sunday and a fruitful provincial career could lay ahead of Manning if he decides to stay on in Ireland.

For now, the former Kiwi schoolboy international will have to be content to play second fiddle to first choice number 10s Ronan O’Gara and Paul Burke, but Kidney already recognising the capabilities of the youngster.

“Jeremy did a few good things at different stages in the match, which a young guy can do. Sometimes maybe his youthfulness caught him out a small bit but he’ll learn from it,” said the Munster supremo.

“I liked his composure – the first thing he had to do was kick what turned out to be the winning penalty, which isn’t the easiest thing to do. He displayed a few nice touches and is developing well.”