Munster hope All Black signing Francis Saili will remedy centre woes

A dozen have been recruited and a dozen have failed to take centre stage, but Munster will hope All Black Francis Saili can finally provide a remedy for their midfield woes.

The 24-year-old New Zealander becomes the 13th centre signing by the province going back to the success of attracting Trevor Halstead in 2005, but since inking that deal with the South African who would be integral to the breakthrough Heineken Cup in 2006 Munster have struggled for commanders in the 12 and 13 jerseys.

The disappointments range from the obscure in Diogo Mateus to those with great pedigree such as Casey Laulala, whose compatriot Sam Tuitupou also struggled to live up to his billing. James Downey, Kieran Lewis, Pat Howard and Andrew Smyth did not, or have yet to, show that they are the answer while the capture of Tyler Blyendaal seemed shrewd until injury intervened. The versatile Kiwi, who can play 10 and 12, was signed in May of last year but played out his Crusaders contract which included a provincial run with Canterbury after the Super Rugby season.