Munster have made a strong start to the URC season, with encouraging signs for new head coach Clayton McMillan.
McMillan has won his first two games since taking over at the Irish province, with Saturday’s victory over Cardiff coming in dramatic fashion.
Recommended
A late drop-goal from Jack Crowley sealed the deal in Munster’s first home game of the season, and they sit in 3rd after the opening two weekends.
Sterner tests are to come, however, with a Croke Park date against Leinster looming just around the corner, and the Champions Cup coming hot on the heels of Ireland’s November internationals.
Munster hope that McMillan is the man to return them to their former glories, and their links to Springbok Marnus van der Merwe would address an area of concern in their squad.
READ HERE: Ross Byrne Sums Up Odd Nature Of Ireland Selection Rule After English Move
READ HERE: Ronan O’Gara Did Not Hold Back With Comments After ‘Shameful’ La Rochelle Loss
Munster linked with South Africa debutant
Scarlets hooker Marnus van der Merwe won his first cap for South Africa against Georgia in July, working his way into Rassie Erasmus’ squad for the Rugby Championship by scoring two tries on debut.
He would earn two further caps in South Africa’s victorious campaign, coming off the bench in a 30-22 home win against Australia, before he played 20 minutes of the Boks’ historic drubbing of New Zealand in Wellington.
Van der Merwe is in high demand, with a big move seemingly imminent for the 28-year-old when his contract ends with Scarlets next June.
A move home to South Africa with the Sharks has been touted, but van der Merwe has also been linked with Clermont.
Reports now suggest Munster are ready to make it a three-horse race, with hooker an area they have been looking to strengthen for some time.
Munster brought in Lee Barron from Leinster this year to bolster their options at hooker, but with veteran Niall Scannell now in his mid-30s, they may look to further strengthen in the months to come.
Last season saw Munster ravaged by injuries in the front row, an issue that further strength-in-depth would hopefully negate.
Munster have reportedly sought to sign an overseas hooker on several occasions in recent years, only to have moves blocked by the IRFU.
Bringing in a capped Springbok would certainly be a statement of intent, with van der Merwe’s stock clearly rising.
Marnus van der Merwe spent the early part of his career in South Africa, only moving to Europe last summer when he joined the Scarlets.
We may yet see him lining out in the red of Munster.
SEE ALSO: Andy Farrell Reveals Phone Call That Saw Him Hide Truth On Owen Farrell Lions Snub
