Cronin: Munster exit a wise move

HOOKER Sean Cronin believes his decision to leave Munster and head to Connacht has paid dividends after he was named in Ireland’s starting line-up for their Test against New Zealand on Saturday.

While injuries to Rory Best and Jerry Flannery have helped to propel the 23-year-old into the role of first-choice hooker, Cronin is adamant the regular game time he has enjoyed in the Magners League and Amlin Challenge Cup this season with Connacht is what got him noticed in the first place.

“I moved up there to try and get some game time because I was behind the likes of Jerry Flannery and Frankie Sheehan when I was at Munster, so I wasn’t getting much game time or exposure,” said the former Munster Academy player.

“I just sat down and weighed up my options and said I’d take the chance and move up. It’s worked out very well. I’ve got a lot of game time up there and pushed my way in here. It’s been a good move for me.”

Cronin has just two caps after playing against Fiji last November and Wales in this year’s Six Nations.

But he has plenty of experience packing down in the front row at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth with prop John Hayes lining up for his 103rd appearance in the green jersey.

“He’s a seasoned campaigner. Hayes knows a lot of tricks so hopefully he can tell me a few come Saturday so I can get into the game nice and early,” Cronin added.

The Limerick man is also known for his mobility around the field and his ability to sniff out the try-line but he knows the onus will be on getting things right at the line-out and scrums first.

“Your bread and butter have to be flawless at Test level but I enjoy getting my hands on the ball and trying to make an impact the best I can. If I’m able to combine both on Saturday it will be a great day.”