Munster should give the great Stringer another try

I hear Munster are letting Peter Stringer out on loan again this season. This is a crime.

He is still the best passer of a ball in Ireland, and with Munster’s style of back-play, at present, it is critical that the backs receive quick ball to give them the opportunity to take advantage of their forward’s superiority.

Rob Penny is a great advocate of the running game, and I am fully supportive of his aims with this Munster team, but shovelling the ball along the back line from slow delivery will not serve any purpose.

On the other hand, quick-ball, delivered at pace on the front foot, will allow the backs to exploit any chinks in the opposition defence.

Conor Murray is having a great season and is well worth his place, as his style of play offers Munster a completely different option. With Murray, you have plan A, and with Stringer you have plan B.

Just visualise the scenario of Munster hammering the Harlequins for 60 minutes with high-intensity, physical play up front and constant assault from a direct running back-line.

Then, plan B kicks in with Stringer coming on, lightning-quick ball to the wings, during phase after phase of play, eventually creating gaps during the last quarter of the game.

Yes, initiate plan ‘Killer B’ with Stringer, the ‘stinger’ and the tries will flow.

John Aherne

Mallow

Co Cork