McGahan Pleased With ‘Certain Aspect’ Of Munster Win
Munster report a near clean bill of health from their opening RaboDirect PRO12 victory over the Newport Gwent Dragons last Saturday night.
Hooker Mike Sherry picked up a slight shoulder injury and a decision on his participation in Friday’s match against Glasgow Warriors will be delayed until later in the week.
Further good news is that BJ Botha is back training this week, while fellow prop Darragh Hurley is expected to make his return next week.
Botha’s progress will be monitored before a decision is made on whether or not he will be included in the squad for the Glasgow trip. The same applies with lock Ian Nagle, who picked up a shoulder knock against London Irish recently.
Tomas O’Leary’s activity continues to be confined to the gym as he rehabs his lower back injury and Felix Jones will see a London-based specialist later this week to have his foot injury further assessed.
Meanwhile, the province’s head coach Tony McGahan, having reviewed the 20-12 win over the Dragons today, saw no reason to alter his opinion of the performance.
“I was pleased with certain aspects of the game. Certainly our second half defence was very solid,” he said.
“In a lot of our attack we were able to hold some good shape and put the Dragons under a lot of pressure. There was some inaccuracy in our kicking, a few areas like that we’d like to take forward this week, but overall a solid performance.”
He also expressed his satisfaction with the two tries scored, stating: “The second try (from Lifeimi Mafi) was certainly off the training pitch. An executed first phase is always nice to complete. To get one so early in the season is great, but some really good execution there.
“A lot of people were involved in the first (try). Some really good counter play, good interchange play. An excellent delayed pass from Ian Keatley, great work by Johne Murphy and then a super back-up line by Danny Barnes.
“You work to progress the skills of the players and to see them linked together like that was pleasing. It would have been nice to get a few more and we created some good opportunities but look overall as I said, I’m happy with that.”