Dave Kilcoyne: Going as hard as I can at Keynan Knox in training is the best learning he’ll ever get

Now 32 and with 192 Munster caps of his own, Kilcoyne’s influence as a mentor to younger squad members is growing with every season

Dave Kilcoyne gets organised at Munster training at UL. Kilcoyne’s influence on younger squad members grows every season. Pic: Inpho/Ryan Byrne

Forewarned is forearmed and with the Stormers coming to Thomond Park this Saturday, Dave Kilcoyne now has recent memory of the sort of South African physicality awaiting Munster in the United Rugby Championship.

Last weekend’s 42-17 round one victory over the Sharks will enter into the record books as a six-try rout of the first South African opponents to arrive in Limerick in this inaugural URC. For the players, however, the physical toll of the encounter has left a deep impression.