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.

“He is pretty unique in world rugby and Mana — a word we use in New Zealand — means ultimate respect and presence in the group. When they (people) have Mana they have real presence and respect, they ooze it, they don’t just have it, and he is one of those people. There are very few of them in the (rugby) world,” said Penney yesterday.

Having watched the Munster talisman gallop around the paddock, Penney enthused: “It is great to see him out there, isn’t it? It’s fantastic, he is such an influence. It is wonderful to have him back in the frame.”

Munster are coming off a disappointing run with a top four spot in the Pro12 a tall order after a dismal draw against Ospreys last time out.

Admitted Penney: “It was disappointing and there is a level of frustration. The message has been consistent though, we have just got to improve on the areas of the game we are not doing so well in and to start building on the areas we are growing in.

“There were elements of the Ospreys performance that were really good and we have got to take those and build on them. There were elements that were not as efficient as we want. It is a consistent thing throughout the year, really.”

The boost of O’Connell’s availability comes amid a raft of injury problems. The latest blow comes in the guise of a shoulder injury to Keith Earls, who could be out for the rest of the season. Donnacha Ryan, too, is struggling.

Simon Zebo, however, is making progress, revealed Penney: “You know, there’s a big grey area coming up with the week before the quarter-final and the week after. We have got some specialist visits (to deal with) and we’re optimistic without being overly optimistic. We’ll just see (about his availability for Quins) but it is highly unlikely that he’ll be available heading into that game.”

Meanwhile, Munster veteran Peter Stringer, may have worn the red shirt for the last time. He is on loan to Bath and will now stay in the West Country for the remainder of the season. His IRFU contract expires this June and it is unlikely to be renewed.

*Munster have welcomed the outcome of a case involving Danny Barnes over a hotel incident in 2008. A High Court action against the player was struck out and settled without admission of liability. Said provincial chief Garrett Fitzgerald: “We’re happy the case has finally been settled. We’ve always had confidence in the integrity of Danny Barnes and were equally satisfied with his account of events that night and satisfied now that the charges brought against Danny and Munster Rugby have been struck out.”