Johann Van Graan hails Munster’s fringe players after comeback win over Benetton Treviso on Friday night
The under strength Reds side came from 11 points down in the second half to win away to the Italians and keep hopes of a home semi-final alive
JOHANN VAN GRAAN praised Munster’s fringe players after a comeback victory away to Benetton on Friday night.
Van Graan’s under-strength side came from 11 points down in the second half to grab a 37-28 bonus-point win.
JJ Hanrahan landed seven kicks out of seven — with some from difficult angles — as Munster kept their hopes of a home PRO14 semi- final alive.
And Van Graan was encouraged by the performance of his squad players ahead of next weekend’s Champions Cup semi-final against Saracens.
The head coach said: “It’s great that so many of our squad are hitting form at the back-end of the season.
“I am thrilled with the win. A really tough game.
“We went 10-0 down after a few minutes and fought our way back and then we went down 28-17.
“I’m so glad for JJ Hanrahan. He got his opportunity and he took it but it’s all 23 guys. It was great.”
Munster came from 28-17 behind early in the second half, holding Benetton scoreless for 35 minutes as they tacked on 20 points without reply.
First-half tries from Rhys Marshall and Dan Goggin were followed by efforts from Shane Daly — his first for the province — and Alby Mathewson as Munster made it 22 wins on the trot against Italian opposition.
JVG added: “I thought Rhys Marshall played really, really well and Gavin Coombes when he came in.
“Special mention to Billy Holland for leading the team to this victory.
“I thought Dan Goggin and Sammy Arnold did well too.
“Shane Daly was excellent again, his aerial game, his work-rate off the ball.
“Stephen Archer coming back and Liam O’Connor from the bench.
“Basically, the whole squad — very happy with them.”
Versatile back-five player Fineen Wycherley looks to be Munster’s only new injury concern following Friday’s win.
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Van Graan explained: “There are a few concerns. Fineen looks like an upper-leg injury.
“Other than that it doesn’t seem too much at this stage.
“But there will be a lot of knocks and bruises from this game. It was like a Test match.”