Clayton McMillan: Munster have out-half options if Hanrahan misses Glasgow trip

With Jack Crowley on Ireland duty, and doubts surrounding JJ Hanrahan's fitness, Tony Butler is the only fit out-half in the Munster senior squad. McMillan said Mike Haley, Ethan Coughlan, and Tom Wood are options for cover

Munster out-half JJ Hanrahan suffered a hamstring injury during the warm-up for the URC victory over the Dragons. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Clayton McMillan says Munster have options who, if required, can step into the fly-half role as JJ Hanrahan’s injury left them potentially threadbare in that department.

With Jack Crowley on Ireland duty and Hanrahan tweaking his hamstring, Tony Butler is the sole 10 currently available in the senior squad ahead of a trip to face Glasgow Warriors on Friday. The 23-year-old Ennis native kicked the winning penalty in their 22-20 victory over Dragons at Virgin Media Park.

Hanrahan will be assessed ahead of the Scotstoun trip, but should extra cover be needed, McMillan reckons Munster have back-up.

“We lost our most experienced player at 10, JJ Hanrahan, in the warm-up to a hamstring injury. He was kicking a few goals in the cold weather and just felt it go,” said McMillan.

“He tried to warm up, it was no good, so five minutes before the game, we were putting young Tony Butler in there.

“Then we had a decision to make around who we would bring onto our bench. We actually had a couple of backs and a few forwards.

“We plumped for a little bit of experience with the weather to bring Jack O'Donoghue onto the bench. Despite the injuries to the backs, it probably was a good move in the end, because it was pretty attritional, to have that sort of experience with him and Gavin Coombes coming on late in the game.” 

Asked about potential back-up options for fly-half, McMillan said: “We've probably got guys that can step in there and do a job, much the same as what happened tonight.

“I think Mike Haley's probably played there a little bit. I know that Ethan Coughlan's probably played there a little bit. If JJ's out, maybe we'll have to go to the young fella, who knows? Tom Wood.” 

McMillan added that it was “early to say” the nature of the injury that forced Alex Nankivell off the field.

The head coach praised the impact of Seán Edogbo, who claimed the player of the match award on his senior debut. His line-out ability helped Munster to retain all 17 throws amid wind and rain on Leeside.

“Both the Edogbo boys bring that physical presence,” said McMillan. “He's explosive, he's got a fairly low error rate, high energy, good skill set. He was outstanding in the line-out, actually. In those sorts of conditions, you need that.

“He's a kid with a big future. Him, along with all the other young guys, we're deliberately drip-feeding them some minutes. (Brian) Gleeson, Ruadhán Quinn, those guys have been around a little bit longer, but great to see them get out there.

“We're really confident moving forward that we've got some outstanding athletes that are going to have long careers in Munster jerseys. They aren't, and we aren't, the finished product yet, but it's encouraging to see them go out and perform as they did tonight in a big pressure situation.” 

That competition for places can also drive on players, such as two-try replacement Coombes, who perhaps felt a point to prove after being left out of both the Irish Six Nations and Ireland A squads.

“One thing he has is a nose for the tryline. He keeps stepping up in those moments,” said McMillan.

“He was good tonight, but the thing with Gav is that he's got a couple of other young fellas that are breathing down his neck now, and I actually think that's going to be good for Gavin.

“We didn't start him tonight because he's one of those guys that's played big minutes over the last 12-14 weeks.” 

Having conceded six penalties in the opening half-hour, McMillan hailed Munster for not allowing any more from there.

“We needed to be ultra-disciplined, so that was really pleasing because it's been an Achilles heel for us.

“We didn't give one penalty away in the second half, which would have gifted them easy access into the parts of the field that they were very efficient in. That was really pleasing.”