Rory Scannell aims to kick on with win over Ospreys

Two members of the Scannell clan, Niall and Rory, were glad to have last week to themselves following a hectic schedule of Munster matches stretching back to October.

And a third, Billy, is also looking forward to next week’s mid-term break as he prepares for the eagerly awaited Munster Schools Senior Cup semi-final for PBC against fierce Cork rivals CBC on February 24.

Rory has made such strides this season that he was touted as the solution to Munster’s out-half woes but whether wearing the number 10 or 12 shirt, he is understandably hugely content with his progress. And it’s back to serious business on Sunday evening with Munster desperate for a result against Ospreys at Musgrave Park that will improve their prospects of a place among the top four in the Guinness Pro12.

“They’re all must-win games from here on,” he stresses. “Ospreys are six points behind us but hot on our heels. They’ll be looking to close that gap, to get one over on us since we nicked one on them at the start of the season.

“We have put the first half of the season to bed and must kick on from here because every match is a mini cup final. It’s so close at the top with teams trying to qualify for Europe next year and also trying to get into the top four in the Pro12. With the exception of Connacht, every team is out of Europe. Ospreys just lost out to Exeter and they’ll be a bit bitter about that.”

One topic dominated Munster’s press day this week — the retirement of Paul O’Connell.

“I never played with him but training with him for the last two seasons was a great experience,” Rory admitted. “You could see what a great leader he was. I’ve been watching Munster since I was very young and he was always the kind of player I idolised. He was great for the younger fellas coming into the squad. He’d give them all the information they needed, he wouldn’t put too much on your shoulders, to just go out and do your thing and enjoy it. So I did that, I wasn’t over thinking it, I was concentrating on doing the basics right in my first few games and then trying to push on from there.”

Scannell described Ireland’s draw against Wales as a “weird result, you wouldn’t know whether it’s a good or a bad result. But it was great having CJ Stander getting a first start and giving another man-of-the-match performance which is nothing unusual for us to see. And Tommy O’Donnell back wearing that green jersey.”

Sunday will be a big day for the Scannells with Rory pretty sure to wear the number 12 shirt from the outset and Niall set to appear at some stage.

“Niall and I have been playing together for a long time through school, Dolphin and with the A side as well. We’ve actually got a number of games together this season, trying to impress every time we get on the pitch. He’s in my ear all the time out there and we give and take. It’s great to be getting plenty of game time.

“We have another brother, Billy, he’s in fourth year now, he’s on the senior team at Pres and they’re playing Christians in the senior schools semi-final and it should be a tough local derby. He’s enjoying it but I suppose he’s under pressure as well.”