Munster's rocket man to get even better after sizzling comeback, says Reds great (2025)

Rightly, there has been a lot of focus on Jack Crowley's performances against Connacht and La Rochelle in a special week for the Reds.

But his half-back partner Craig Casey, making his first appearances since suffering a knee injury against Castres in December that required surgery, has been phenomenal.

Those displays have blasted the 25-year-old into Lions contention but Munster will need both Ireland internationals on song again when they go to the well against Top 14 high flyers Bordeaux on Saturday, just a week after their heroics in La Rochelle.

Denis Leamy paid tribute to the work done by Casey to get himself back to where he was on his return. “He’s been brilliant since he’s come back the last couple of weeks," said Leamy.

"But it doesn’t happen by accident. The injury was unfortunate but I think everyone would tell you in this building the way Craig has gone about his business in terms of rehab, which is not easy.

"The monotony and day to day and discipline you have to show to come back from long-term injuries, it’s not an easy time. But Craig just grabbed it and just got a hold of it and his energy and desire to get back was incredibly impressive. Coming back off such a long lay-off into form, you just have to give him credit for it."

Casey's performances were elevated to a new level last year and it has taken him no time to get back to that place. Leamy predicts that he hasn't reached his ceiling. “Yeah, his speed of pass, obviously, and his kicking game is exceptional," he said.

"But his energy around the defensive sets, his communication are top end as well. Craig is a top man, a top player - I think he’s someone that will only get better in time as well."

Jeremy Loughman is Munster's only casualty from La Rochelle, with the prop suffering a hamstring injury after coming on. There were initial concerns over Thaakir Abrahams, who lit up the weekend with his eye-catching break from deep for Casey's try on Saturday, but he only suffered cramp and he will train fully this week.

Munster's rocket man to get even better after sizzling comeback, says Reds great (1)

But the province is in very good shape in terms of important players coming back into the fold in recent weeks and competition for places ramping up.

"It's been a huge lift," acknowledged assistant boss Leamy. "The boys coming back in are very experienced, these are guys that have played an awful lot of international rugby.

"And just having them back, that calming effect, their ability as players, as individuals, but also what they bring to the group. So you can't underestimate the returning players and what they've given to the group."

That know-how will be vital this week as Munster somehow try to replicate the effort that went into beating Ronan O'Gara's side by returning to the west coast of France and overcoming free-scoring Bordeaux. "The experience is definitely there and it's something we can always draw on," Leamy said.

"This group of players have been in difficult places, have won in difficult places, and it's about growing all those different pieces that help you understand the reasons of how you can win and why you can win in away pitches.

"The group is in a confident mood. We've obviously won in a very difficult place in La Rochelle last weekend but look, the challenge going to Bordeaux now will be even higher again.

"But it's one we're very excited about and it's just about getting our bodies and our minds right for the challenge and over to France we go again."

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Munster's rocket man to get even better after sizzling comeback, says Reds great (2025)
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