Penney delights at O’Connell’s return

Munster coach Rob Penney has borrowed a phrase from Maori culture to accurately articulate Paul O’Connell’s importance to Munster — Mana.

In Maori tongue, Mana means one with great authority, presence or prestige; Mana instils reverence and admiration and respects others too. It is about power, it’s influential and courageous, but also humble.

Kiwi coach Penney believes O’Connell merits the choice word as the province gears up for a Heineken Cup quarter-final against Harlequins next month, and in the more immediate term a series of difficult RaboDirect Pro12 games, starting with Connacht at Musgrave Park this Saturday.