Howlett’s help gives Zebo big-game edge

Doug Howlett may appear just a frustrated spectator at the moment as he recovers from injury, but his work behind the scenes at Munster has helped mould wing sensation Simon Zebo into his almost natural successor.

In a short space of time, Zebo has come from rookie to hero and, yesterday, as he contemplates participation in two of the biggest game of his fledgling career, a RaboDirect Pro12 clash with Leinster and a Heineken Cup quarter-final with Ulster, he paid tribute to Howlett for giving him a big helping hand.

“Whenever Dougie talks, you listen, straight away because he doesn’t talk nonsense,” says Zebo. “He always has the best advice to give you and he won’t talk unless it is needed. Everything he does, I’m just analysing him and trying to emulate him.”