Munster got their URC season off to a flying start with a bonus-point win away to Scarlets on Saturday evening.
This was new head coach Clayton McMillan’s first game in charge, and he was without his captain, Tadhg Beirne, for the trip to Wales.
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In the end, they did not need their talisman to put in a hugely encouraging and dominant display. Tries from Craig Casey, Mike Haley, Dan Kelly, and Tom Ahern set Munster on their way to a result that will fill fans with hope for a new era.
Munster were not only without Beirne on Saturday evening, but without the vastly experienced Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony, both of whom retired from rugby at the end of last season.
Murray and O’Mahony were two pillars of Munster Rugby, and their absence will be felt this season.
However, judging by a cheeky Craig Casey comment post-match in Wales, they do not feel too bad about being without Simon Zebo.
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Munster star had brutal dig for Simon Zebo after win in Wales
Two years after his retirement from rugby, Simon Zebo has become one of the most prominent rugby pundits in Ireland.
He was on duty for Premier Sports at Scarlets v Munster on Saturday and was tasked with interviewing former Munster teammates Craig Casey and Shane Daly post-match.
Marvelling at Munster’s impressive handling in what was an equally impressive victory, Zebo was not prepared for the cutting jab Craig Casey had in store for him.
Zebo:Â “We’ve got the two real stars of the team, no more talking about the forwards! Craig Casey and Shane Daly, lads, ye looked super sharp out there today. The handling was on point from the get go. Where was this a couple of years ago when I was playing?!”
Casey:Â “We just got rid of the deadwoood…we worked everything out in pre-season without yourself. Everything started to click.”
The pair and Shane Daly were in stitches, and Zebo and Casey would share a hug (again bursting into laughter) at the end of the interview.
Daly described the win as a “class” way to start the season, especially on what was at times a tricky evening for playing rugby.
Munster could scarcely have asked for more from their season opener, and Clayton McMillan will be delighted to have kicked off his tenure with a decisive win.
Next up for Munster is their first home game of the season next Saturday evening against Cardiff.
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