Pics & Quotes: Connacht Preparations

See the shots and get the pre-match thoughts of Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus and winger Alex Wootton as Munster get preparations underway for the visit of Connacht to Thomond Park this Saturday at 5.15pm.

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With a home semi final already in the bag, Rassie Erasmus will adopt a two-pronged approach this weekend, hoping to maintain winning momentum while also trying out a number of new options and combinations in preparation for the knock out stages.

“Connacht are the reigning PRO12 champions so games don’t come any tougher to finish out the regular season.  For us this will be a game where we try to get guys ready for the semi finals and try to add a few things to our game.

“This will be Connacht’s last PRO12 game under Pat (Lam) so they will play a hell of a lot for him.  We are under no illusions as to how tough this game will be, while also trying new things.”

Scoring the pick of the tries in Munster A’s British and Irish Cup final win over Jersey Reds and crossing for his second PRO12 try against Treviso on Saturday, Alex Wootton also met with media yesterday.  Despite a shoulder injury curtailing much of his involvement earlier this season, when opportunity has presented itself, the winger has been hugely impressive.  Graduating to the senior squad last summer after three years in the Greencore Munster Academy, the 22-year-old has also reaped the benefits of game time with Garryowen and Ireland 7s, and is relishing the heads-up approach that Erasmus instils in his players.

“Getting regular game time for Garryowen was great for my development, as is training everyday with this bunch of lads.  You learn a lot from the older guys, take the best from everyone, and hopefully make myself better.

“The coaches tell us, ‘if it’s on have a go’.  Firstly we navigate our way around the field with the systems we have, and then if it’s good to go we have a crack.

“I’ve spent a lot of this season sidelined due to injury, so on a personal level it would be good to finish out the season on a high, knowing that I’m fit and ready to kick on for next season. From a team perspective, to finish the regular season on a high would put us in a good place heading into the semi finals.”

Munster v Connacht, Guinness PRO12 round 22, Saturday May 6th at Thomond Park, ko 5.15pm.

Tickets can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park, or by calling 061 421103.