McMillan's mind on Munster's 'proud legacy' as Argentina offer chance for fresh blood

The head coach is likely to offer some lesser-seen faces a chance in the limelight of Saturday's clash with a touring Pumas XV at Thomond Park

REACHING UP: Munster’s head coach Clayton McMillan after the BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Connacht at Thomond Park, Limerick. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie

Munster boss Clayton McMillan has two objectives heading into this Saturday’s clash with a touring Argentina XV at Thomond Park — building both the experience of his players and the bolstering the province’s reputation against international opposition.

Munster signed off on the first block of URC games with a fifth-successive victory last Saturday night as they saw off interprovincial rivals Connacht 17-15 in Limerick. Their next league fixture will be against fellow unbeaten side the Stormers back at Thomond Park on November 29, so a challenge match against a quality touring side represents a chance for McMillan to build depth and rotate a winning squad outside of the race for league points.

Not that the New Zealander is taking the game lightly. The former Chiefs head coach was in charge of the All Blacks XV which played Munster at the same venue 12 months ago and he is looking forward to being in the home dressing room this time around.

“We want to really respect that game,” McMillan said. “It's another opportunity to build on the proud legacy of what Munster have done against international teams. We've also got to assess the injury clinic. Next week might be another opportunity for a few blokes that have been doing a hell of a lot behind the scenes to help us get ready for games.

“It might be some of their opportunity next week to go out and see what they can produce.” 

McMillan said he appreciated what the occasion will mean to both players and supporters.

“A lot of players can play a lifetime of rugby and never get the chance to play an international team," he added. "It's going to be a really special moment for everybody involved next week. I hope that we've done enough over the last five weeks for people in Munster to get excited about this team and to come along in numbers and really enjoy that occasion.

“We want to really celebrate the week and take a little bit of weight off the shoulders of being in the grind of needing to accumulate points next week. It's just an opportunity to add to the fantastic legacy that Munster has and really just enjoy it.” 

With Munster’s Ireland contingent of Tom Ahern, captain Tadhg Beirne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley and Tom Farrell set to be in Chicago next Saturday for the opening November Test against New Zealand at Soldier Field, McMillan will be keen to get a medical update on the three senior players who were removed for Head Injury Assessments during the win over Connacht.

Wing Thaakir Abrahams was withdrawn on 16 minutes and did not return while replacement hooker Niall Scannell, who had just returned from a hand laceration sustained against Cardiff in round two, managed just 12 minutes before he sustained a head knock. Starting inside centre Alex Nankivell earned the player of the match award on Saturday but ended the game getting his HIA after being replaced in the 79th minute.