Set piece dominance key to Munster hopes

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Jean Kleyn is an uncompromising character on the field and has endeared himself to Munsterโ€™s fans since his arrival from Western Province in South Africa over two years ago.

The announcement of his contract extension a couple of weeks ago was met with universal approval by the Munster faithful and itโ€™s no surprise that he sees discipline and the battle of the set piece will be the deciding factor in Saturdayโ€™s Champions Cup game with Exeter Chiefs.

โ€œSet piece is the big thing,โ€ Kleyn said earlier this week. โ€œFor me as a forward, as well, discipline. Not giving away too many penalties, any penalties if thatโ€™s possible. Giving away as little penalties as possible and really getting that set piece going is a good base to attack from. If the set piece operates well, the backs will bring some magic and get into the tries.โ€

Munster Rugby Press Conference, UL, Limerick 8/10/2018
Jean Kleyn
Mandatory Credit ยฉINPHO/Ryan Byrne

Kleyn has been impressed by what he has seen from this weekendโ€™s opponents so far this season and how they have gone about becoming one of Englandโ€™s powerhouse clubs. The burly second row is under no illusions on how big a task that his Munster side faces at Sandy Park.

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โ€œThey are an exceptionally good side. Itโ€™s going to be a really tough match. I donโ€™t think anybody is under the impression that it is going to be easy. They are a side that like to keep the ball in hand. There will be a lot of running and a lot of minutes played this weekend, which is good from a spectator standpoint. Itโ€™s good rugby to watch. Hopefully, we can go there and give them a good show as well.โ€

Munster played well at times against Leinster with Kleyn admitting there were good and bad aspects of that performance in Dublin. He has already forged a good partnership with Tadhg Beirne in the second row but admitted that playing well and still coming out with a defeat is frustrating.

โ€œItโ€™s always frustrating to lose. You are never happy when you lose, no matter what happens. We are all frustrated but itโ€™s about taking that frustration and turning it into something good this week building into Exeter.โ€

Kleyn also spoke about Munsterโ€™s injury crisis at scrum-half in the lead up to Saturdayโ€™s game, saying that every season it seems to hit a position but he is confident that the squad is deep enough to cope with such issues.

โ€œIt is worrying to lose Alby but we have Duncan Williams. He is very experienced and there are a few young lads that are really putting their hands up. Jack Stafford is excellent and he will probably play a lot of rugby for Munster.

โ€œWe have depth. Maybe not the most experienced fellas but they are very good. Then itโ€™s down to the rest of the team to guide them in a game like this and make sure that they feel confident going into the game and that they donโ€™t get flustered during it.โ€