Galwey hails ‘world class’ Howlett

YET to make an appearance in a red jersey, Doug Howlett has already secured the approval of Munster legend Mick Galwey.

The All Black was named in the Magners League squad to face Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday but inclement conditions saw the game — and the wing-cum-full back’s bow for the province — postponed.

New Zealand’s leading all-time try scorer, Howlett surpassed Christian Cullen’s total in last year’s World Cup and Galwey is confident he will make a big impact.

“Dougie Howlett, I believe, will make a big impact at Munster,” he said. “He is a world class player. He did very well at the World Cup for New Zealand. He is very experienced and hopefully he will do well for Munster.

“Ideally, a striking back is what we are looking for. I’m not saying our backs are not capable of that but, to be honest, Doug Howlett is a world class player and, if he brings his All Black form to Munster, he will certainly be a force to be reckoned with.”

With so little game time in recent months, the extent of Howlett’s involvement away to Clermont Auvergne in Sunday’s Heineken Cup match remains to be seen.

Declan Kidney’s side are currently in pole position in pool five, four points ahead of the French side and with Wasps occupying the middle ground between the two with just one point less than the Irish side.

Whatever the results in the pool’s next two games — it will take the sixth and final round to discover which of the three heavyweights make the last eight.

“It’s a huge game for Munster (on Saturday) but the good thing about it that it is still in their own hands,” said Galwey. “They need to get something out of this week.

“Ideally, get a win and, knowing Munster, that’s what they’ll be going for.

“They have been down this road before. They have probably the best record of any side in France and that will stand to them.

“If they don’t get a win they need to get a bonus point out of it. The last thing they want is for Clermont to hammer them which — I may be wrong — I don’t think has happened since when I was playing and Gloucester got a bonus point win in Gloucester.”