“Consistency in such a pivotal position is so important”

Looking ahead to the huge Pro 14 Semi-Final between Leinster and Munster in the RDS this Saturday, ex-Munster legend Alan Quinlan is worried about one position in particular in Munster’s team. He talks about Munster’s three out-halves Ian Keatley, Tyler Bleyendaal and JJ Hanrahan and their battle for the number ten shirt.

“You’re looking for top quality and you’re looking for world-class. There’s a lot of chopping and changing. It’s not any criticism directly at any of the three.

“I think that consistency has created uncertainty with performance, with confidence and with self-belief. They need to get that position filled and perform in the big pivotal games.

“Teams who win trophies have world class in that position. You want your number ten provincially to be challenging Johnny Sexton. You see what Sexton has done with The Carberry’s, with the Ross Byrne’s. You actually learn so much off these guys”

Quinlan has become frustrated at the lack of consistency in games throughout the season and especially in big games from the fly-halves. Due to this position being so influential in how games go, a consistent, world class player is needed if Munster are to challenge at the top level again and have their glory days restored

“If Munster don’t sign somebody, they’ve got to take the lead and be in the Irish set up. The three out-halves are contracted next year to Munster, so I don’t know how they work that one out, do you pay someone out or ask them to go to another province?”.

For more videos and articles relating to this, join OTB AM from 7:45 on Facebook, YouTube and Periscope, and be sure to like and subscribe.