Ian Keatley’s Italian job delights Brian Walsh

Munster’s assistant coach Brian Walsh believes Ian Keatley will benefit hugely from his first Six Nations experience in Rome last weekend. 

The confidence gained from Joe Schmidt’s leap of faith and Keatley’s subsequent four-star performance will be immeasurable, Walsh said yesterday, as Munster build up to Saturday’s Guinness Pro12 clash with Cardiff Blues at Musgrave Park (7.35pm).

“I am delighted for him. Look, there’s always lots of conjecture about who is your best 10 and this, that, and the other, but I think the fact that Joe (Schmidt) saw the merit in starting him in such an important game shows that there are people out there that see his value.