Opportunity knocks for Munster and Johann van Graan as Leinster come to town

One win in eight attempts, three of them in consecutive Guinness PRO14 semi-finals, does not bode well for a head coach with ambitions of breaking his province’s 10-year trophy drought

Sat, 23 Jan, 2021 - 00:00

Simon Lewis

Just once has Johann van Graan tasted victory over Leinster since his arrival as Munster head coach in November 2017, on a giddy Stephen's night at Thomond Park 11 months into his tenure.

One win in eight attempts, three of them in consecutive Guinness PRO14 semi-finals, does not bode well for a head coach with ambitions of breaking his province’s 10-year trophy drought later this season but if ever there was a time for Munster supporters to approach a game against the old enemy with genuine optimism it is surely tonight ahead of the champions’ trip to Thomond Park.