2024 Edinburgh Rugby vs Munster Rugby

"Our Intent Is Always In The Right Place" - Daly Reflects On Munster Form

"Our Intent Is Always In The Right Place" - Daly Reflects On Munster Form

Munster's Shane Daly excels in the BKT United Rugby Championship, scoring tries and enjoying a high-energy style of play. Hear his his views on the team.

May 16, 2024 by Philip Bendon
Munster Set Piece Perfection Try vs Connacht

Munster's form this season in the BKT United Rugby Championship is nothing short of remarkable, boasting seven consecutive wins that have propelled the team into third place in the standings. 

Shane Daly, like many of his teammates, is thoroughly enjoying this winning streak and his newfound scoring prowess.

Daly, 27, has seen a significant uptick in his try-scoring record, crossing the line just once in his first 13 appearances but adding five more tries in his last six games. The secret behind this sudden surge? 

"Just being in the right place at the right time," Daly modestly attributes, highlighting the effective team dynamics and his positional advantage on the wing.

Munster's tactical approach under attack coach Mike Prendergast and head coach Graham Rowntree, who both joined in 2022, encourages wingers like Daly and Calvin Nash to move infield and actively participate in play. This high-energy, and somewhat high-risk, style has been a game-changer for the team, despite occasional handling errors and turnovers.

Daly is fully on board with this approach. 

"I'm loving it," he says. "Since the lads have come in, I have really enjoyed my rugby. We are trying to play to space and take the opportunities we see. Even when passes don’t stick or the ball goes down, our intent is always in the right place."

His consistency and reliability have been evident over the last two seasons. 

Daly, who earned two caps for Ireland in the 2020-2021 season, has missed just three games last season due to Emerging Ireland commitments and has been a mainstay in Munster’s lineup this season, missing only two Champions Cup matches due to illness and injury.

Despite a rough patch in December and January, where injuries saw them win once in six games, Munster never lost faith. 

"We knew what we achieved at the end of last season and the performances we put in," Daly reflects. "We just struggled with injuries but kept ourselves in a position to make a good run at the end of the year." 

The addition of Mossy Lawler as skills coach has also contributed significantly. 

Daly appreciates the micro-details Lawler has introduced, which enhance their understanding of roles and execution during play. 

"It's about early ball catch, spatial awareness and constant scanning of the pitch," explains Daly, noting how these fine points elevate their game.

As Munster prepares to face Edinburgh at Hive Stadium, they aim for their eighth consecutive URC win. 

The match will see Daly reunite with former teammate Ben Healy, now a standout for Edinburgh and the URC's top scorer this season. 

"Ben’s really steering the ship for Edinburgh," Daly says. "It’s great to see him doing well, and we respect his tremendous passing and kicking game."

A victory Friday night could temporarily propel Munster to the top of the URC table, adding a real possibility of a home run to a final.


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