No regrets over starting O’Connell, says Penney

Munster coach Rob Penney defended his decision to play Paul O’Connell in last Saturday’s loss to Racing Metro.

Many have pointed out that O’Connell made little impact at the line-out, didn’t carry as much ball as usual and lost possession as he dived to score a crucial first-half try.

“We gave Paul the best opportunity to tell us when he was ready because we didn’t want the pressure of expectation being a burden on him,” explained coach Rob Penney last night.