Munster Rugby v Cardiff Blues Match Programme

INSIDE TRACK
Fineen Wycherley returned from Irish camp
early last week to re-join the Munster squad
as they prepared for tonight’s game…
On training with the Irish team…
“I really enjoyed it. It was a great couple
of days. I learned a lot. I went up on the
Wednesday night and I trained with them
Thursday, Friday and Saturday before heading
home Saturday evening. Andy Farrell is a
really great coach. I learned a lot from him
just chatting to him over the few days. It’s
great to hear another coach’s voice too, it’s
something different. Obviously working with
different people you learn different things. He
is very involved, and he doesn’t step back as
a head coach. He is involved in every meeting
– forward and backs, attack and defence. He
always has a few points to make which is
great. I really got a feel for what it was like up
there. You can see why everyone works so
hard during the year to get to that place. So
I’ve come back and for the next few weeks I
want to try to put in some performances as a
team and individually to get back into that Irish
squad, of course.”
On playing Cardiff Blues tonight…
“They are an excellent side. They are much
improved from last year. They were top
of the conference going into this round.
Defensively they are exceptional. They’ve only
conceded one try this season so far. So I think
breakdown wise we are going to be tested
there, which is great. They have a nice balance
between the forwards and the backs. To be
honest, they have a very rounded game so we
will be looking at a very tough match at the
weekend.”
On playing in Thomond Park without the
supporters…
“It’s obviously hugely disappointing and we
understand how privileged we are here to
be able to work away and play the games
during lockdown. All we can do is try to put
on a performance for those fans at home who
cannot be there in Thomond Park with us. We
have to make do with the cardboard cut outs
for now but we are hoping to see them back
in Thomond Park with us in the near future, as
long as it’s all safe.”
On this international window being so
important for younger players to make an
impression…
“Every opportunity you get to be on the bench
or be involved on the team or be in the starting
squad, you have to put in a performance for
yourself and for the team, and put the team
forward. From a personal point of view, I just
want to come back and do my best for the
team and get a win on Monday night.”
On his role in the squad…
“I’ve moved around over the last couple of
years. I broke through in the team playing at
6, I am starting to learn line out calling a lot
more at training and be the second line out
caller behind Billy and Tadhg. If one of them
goes down I am next in line. My role in the
team varies between 4, 5 and 6 but I haven’t
played 6 in awhile. At the moment I’ve mainly
been playing at 4, in that tighthead lock
position and that’s where I’m needed for the
team. Versatility is never a bad thing. If I can
slot in at 6 I don’t think it’s a negative, it’s a
bonus. Every chance I get to play on the team,
whether it’s at 4, 5 or 6, I really don’t mind, it is
just another string to the bow.”
"All we can do is try to put on
a performance for those fans at
home who cannot be there in
Thomond Park with us".
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MUNSTER v CARDIFF BLUES | 26.10.20 | THOMOND PARK
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