Realist Johann van Graan prepares to ‘start again at zero’

Munster boss Johann van Graan is relying on his players to have moved on from their St Stephen’s Day defeat at home to Leinster when they travel to face Ulster on New Year’s Day.

Van Graan saw his side sink to their first loss under his watch, a 34-24 reverse at Thomond Park, and is looking for a positive reaction at Ravenhill. Win or lose, it is clear the South African sees every game as a clean slate, as shown by his fondness for the phrase “start again at zero”.

So with the demands placed upon him by the IRFU’s player welfare programme meaning he will have to rotate his squad for Monday’s second Guinness PRO14 derby in six days, there is enough disruption to the preparations without dealing with matters within his squad’s control.