Holland calls on Munster for ‘sustained six-week effort’

COUNT the numbers, do the math and the danger is that Munster could struggle for the duration of the World Cup.

Missing up to a dozen players and despite Ireland’s dismal August run of results, pessimism wasn’t a word readily bandied about in the provincial camps in the run up to this weekend’s RaboDirect Pro 12 inaugural tournament and an opening match for the champions against Newport Gwent Dragons at Musgrave Park (7.45pm).

Yes, Munster will be without a huge number of front liners, yes they will place their faith in 10 youngsters, or some of them at any rate, over the next six weeks. But do they worry unduly? No.

At 26, Billy Holland is far from the veteran stage. He is only in his third year on a full contract but his presence at a number of leadership meetings with established internationals Peter Stringer, Tomás O’Leary, Mick O’Driscoll and New Zealand legend Doug Howlett, is indicative that every ounce of experience will count while the stars are away.

Holland has been in and out of the equation, captaining Munster A and generally filling in for more seasoned colleagues.

Things will be different these coming weeks, however, as he readies himself to step up to the plate while Ireland are away at the World Cup.

“We’re looking to drive it on for Munster over the next six weeks and, it should be said, there are a lot of experienced guys left behind to help launch our challenge to retain the title.

“People could forget that we actually still have a squad of 35 or more players. Even with all of them gone to the World Cup there is serious competition for places, I mean 11 guys came in this season from either Academy or Development on to full contracts.

“I don’t know if any other province has ever had that number of new recruits. It’s an exciting time and all of these lads have performed in the past.

“Yes, though, it’s a challenge, this group has ownership of the next six matches. Whether we win or lose they’re all on our head, whereas in the past it might have been easy to come in for one or two matches, and just have to do the best in the absence of the international lads. This, however, is a sustained period and it has to be a sustained effort in a period where we have to perform.

“A lot of the younger lads haven’t probably experienced that before but it’s something we have to deal with and, it’s a huge opportunity for several guys to make a statement.”

But, said Holland, there was no reason why the newcomers should feel intimidated and he pointed to how well some of them reacted to similar challenges last season.

“Last autumn, we had Ulster away. We had Australia and Scarlets at home but capitulated away to the Dragons. It was a similar team for those four matches. We played very well in three of them but got destroyed in the fourth. We need to go for six in-a-row this time and we’re really basically looking at doing so with similar type players.

“It’s all coming from within, so it is a great opportunity for everyone. Everyone has been asking Tony McGahan for opportunities and this is it!”