Graham Rowntree aiming to bring through local Munster talent

His hope is that faith in their abilities to this point will now be rewarded in the coming weeks as many of his frontline stars prepare to put their feet up

LOCAL TALENT: Munster's Patrick Campbell celebrates scoring their second try against Leinster. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady

Graham Rowntree began the week musing on the constant spectre of must-win games for his Munster players, but the New Year will quickly ascertain which fixtures are more essential than others.

Five games into a nine-game block in which IRFU player welfare protocols dictate his Ireland internationals can only play seven ahead of the 2023 Six Nations, the head coach will have to make his team selections with the aid of a spreadsheet on top of the usual criteria.