In football parlance, this is known as the ‘new manager’s bounce’. One boss leaves, another arrives, wipes the slate clean, restores confidence, and as if by magic, performances and results follow one another.
n the case of Munster, Graham Rowntree replacing Johann van Graan as head coach has been widely recognized as a much-needed fresh start for a lost province.
The players, you would imagine, would have jumped out of their skins to impress the new man, but rather than use the appointment of a new coaching ticket as a springboard, Munster backed off, the harsh reality being that things can get worse before they get better.
Their latest defeat at Galway on Friday night, their third in four games this season, was littered with many of the same frustrating errors that have plagued them since Rowntree took charge.
We can talk about new tactics and new game plans all we want, but until the players eliminate basic mistakes, then Munster will be stuck in a rut.
With a failing set-piece, sloppy penalty concessions, missed tackles and spot kicks, Munster’s problems are growing – and that’s before we even start to mention the tough string of games that they have to come.
Not for the first time, Rowntree put on a puzzled figure after the final whistle at the Sportsground, as he scratched his head at another sub-par performance that fell so far short of the standards Munster demanded of them- same, not to mention what anyone on the outside can expect.
Rowntree has repeatedly said he can’t fault the energy and effort of his players, but many fans would disagree as they seem miles off the pace.
What makes matters worse is that while everyone knows patience is required, you’d expect a lot more in terms of effort and application in the first few months of Rowntree’s reign.
He can’t get down from the coaches box and throw the ball into the lineout instead of Niall Scannell, he can’t scrum from the side of the tight header and prevent Keynan Knox from being lifted off the ground and propelled forward. nor Rowntree can kick the ball to touch in place of Ben Healy.
Rowntree needs more of its players, especially those who are the mainstays of the province. Maybe some are too comfortable, but unless there are drastic improvements, Rowntree won’t be afraid to let them go.
This ruthless attitude will be needed as evolution continues, because without players being honest enough with each other and stepping up and taking responsibility, Munster will go nowhere.
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Munster endured another tough night with a loss to Connacht on Friday. Photo: Sportsfile
Senior players like Peter O’Mahony and Tadhg Beirne played key roles in Ireland’s victory in the summer series in New Zealand. They know that such drastic drops are not tolerated in the international camp. It should be no different in their province.
Malakai Fekitoa is a World Cup winner, who has long been embedded in high-performance environments, and while he is still finding his feet, Munster demand their big-budget center signing offer much, much more of both. sides of the ball.
Injuries haven’t helped Rowntree’s transition into the hot seat, nor has the fact that nine players have been absent from the Emerging Ireland tour, but other provinces are struggling with similar issues.
This week will see emerging Ireland players return from South Africa, where senior coaches, in particular Paul O’Connell, have led the standards.
The young players who will be reinstated in the Munster squad cannot be expected to turn the tide, but their working time under O’Connell and Co may help open their eyes to what is needed to succeed at the highest level.
This is the main encouraging aspect of Munster’s current situation – they have talented young players, desperate to make an impression.
With the Bulls arriving at Thomond Park on Saturday night, followed by a daunting trip to Dublin before Ulster come to Limerick, even at this early stage Munster are entering season-defining territory.
For all that may seem hyperbolic, winning the Champions Cup seems far beyond Munster, and if they are to return to Europe’s top flight next season they cannot afford to add to their three defeats.
Rowntree has been around long enough to know now is not the time to panic, but the longer he remains stunned by why his players aren’t transferring what they do to training on the pitch, the more he will become. more and more worried.
The new manager’s rebound may have eluded Munster, but Rowntree can still get the Reds moving in the right direction – but he needs the players to step up.
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