Keatley going back to his roots

A player who recently landed two difficult kicks to ensure his side acrucial bonus point in the European Champions Cup and then played an outstanding part in victory over arch rivals Leinster in the Guinness Pro 12 should have few fears of taking on Connacht at the Galway Sportsground.

But Ian Keatley is under no illusions regarding the challenge awaiting them when Munster take on Connacht in a mouth watering clash on Thursday.

Given that every one of the 7,700tickets have been sold and the game is taking place on New Year’s Day adds to the sense of expectation and the certainty of a fantastic atmosphere.

Dublin-born Keatley kick-started a career that sees him challenging strongly for the out-half jersey in the Irish team against Italy in Rome on February 7 in Galway.

He had been more or less deemed surplus to requirement at Leinster but after displaying his talent at Connacht, was signed by Munster as understudy to Ronan O’Gara and with a verydefinite eye on the future.

However, Keatley won’t be resting on his laurels against his old Connacht friends.

“I’m looking forward to going back to where it all really started for me”, he says.

“They haven’t been beaten at the Sportsground this year. These Interpro matches are huge, not just for Connacht, but massive for us as well and also for Leinster and Ulster. They give you the chance to go against people who are vying for your place with Ireland, a lot of bragging rights up for grabs and more importantly, four points up for grabs.

“Connacht do step things up against Munster of all teams. I was playing the last time they beat Munster — there weren’t any tries and I kicked four penalties in a 12-6 result. I know what it means to them but I also know what it means to Munster to take on Connacht in the Sportsground.

“I remember when I was there, Connacht were talking about building a legacy. They have really stepped it up this year, unbeaten at home in the league is a great record, and goes to show how strong they are.”

The comprehensive victory over Leinster has undoubtedly imbued the entire Munster squad with renewed confidence after three successive defeats.

“It was good , especially over the Christmas period, when you’re leaving family and friends on St Stephens Day and it is tough but getting the win makes it a lot easier”, he reasons. “We put in a really good performance. Duncan Williams played unbelievably well and I don’t think he gets thecredit he deserves. The forwards were immense and the backs are beginning to click slowly but surely.”

Keatley enjoys the appreciation of the Red Army for the two pressure-laden kicks he sent between the Clermont posts in the Champions Cup but typically tries to divert the difficulty of the conversion of Duncan Casey’s try and the late, late penalty that dragged Munster within seven points of the French side.

“We knew after they scored their third try that our chance of winning the game was gone but we said under the posts, look, we’re playing now for a bonus point and how important that might be two or three months down the road”, he said. “In fairness, itstarted with Duncan getting theintercept that came from us putting pressure on them high up the field.

“My thought process facing up to the kick? The mentality you’re in is weird. You know what’s going on but you can’t dwell on it too much. You’re in a zone. You don’t have time to think. Thankfully, it went over and we’re still in contention. We’rebuilding towards Saracens but first and foremost, we’ve got Connacht this week.”