Botha: ‘Good Consistency At Set-Piece’

Following a strong showing for Munster at set piece in recent weeks, Munster tighthead BJ Botha discusses the rotation of combinations in the front row and the increasing strength in depth as players return from injury.

Now in his fourth season with the province, the World Cup winning South African international won his 90^th cap for the province against Cardiff Blues last month and has played a significant role in Munster’s latest block of Guinness PRO12 encounters.

That fact that a number of forwards are unavailable for selection due to international duty or injury means Botha is especially happy with how the current crop of players have fronted up for the province of late.

“Obviously there are a few guys missing at this time of year, but we still want to keep our scrum as strong as ever and I think we did that. We have good consistency at set-piece.

“It’s great that we now have a number of good combinations in front rows, especially after us being depleted due to injury earlier in the season. We’re now getting a lot of these guys back and it’s great for competition and the strength in depth. There’s still a long season ahead with guys coming in and out of the squad for internationals or injury, so it’s good to know that we have a number of different combinations that work.

“It’s also good for these combinations to get more and more game time and that’s why you’ll see some rotation, it’s all part of working ahead creating that strength in depth.”

Botha also noted how the impressiveness of John Ryan this season, as well as the return of Dave Kilcoyne, has further bolstered the pack.

“John has been great this season and has put his hand up with some strong performances, not just in the scrum but in his work around the field and his ball carrying ability.

“Killer is making a return and it’s good to see him building his fitness game by game and those two boys will push each other hard – competition is good for both parties.”