
Jean Kleyn is an uncompromising character on the field and has endeared himself to Munsterโs 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 itโs no surprise that he sees discipline and the battle of the set piece will be the deciding factor in Saturdayโs Champions Cup game with Exeter Chiefs.
โSet piece is the big thing,โ Kleyn said earlier this week. โFor me as a forward, as well, discipline. Not giving away too many penalties, any penalties if thatโs 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
Jean Kleyn
Mandatory Credit ยฉINPHO/Ryan Byrne
Kleyn has been impressed by what he has seen from this weekendโs opponents so far this season and how they have gone about becoming one of Englandโs powerhouse clubs. The burly second row is under no illusions on how big a task that his Munster side faces at Sandy Park.
โThey are an exceptionally good side. Itโs going to be a really tough match. I donโt 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. Itโs 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.
โItโs always frustrating to lose. You are never happy when you lose, no matter what happens. We are all frustrated but itโs about taking that frustration and turning it into something good this week building into Exeter.โ
Kleyn also spoke about Munsterโs injury crisis at scrum-half in the lead up to Saturdayโs 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.
โIt 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.
โWe have depth. Maybe not the most experienced fellas but they are very good. Then itโs 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 donโt get flustered during it.โ