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RG Snyman is a much-needed building block for Munster - Liam Toland

RG Snyman's contract extension is great news for Munster, according to Liam Toland.



RG Snyman will remain with Munster after this season. The South African second row signed a new deal on Wednesday.

Liam Toland joined Wednesday Night Rugby to evaluate Snyman's potential impact on Munster moving forwad.

After two ACL tears, the lock is up against it moving forward. He needs to go through rehabilitation, then regain his confidence before becoming a consistent performer on the field. But he is just 26 years of age despite his journey from South Africa through Japan to Limerick.

He is primed to be a key piece for Munster's next coaching staff if he is healthy.

Toland believes that Snyman's talent will give Munster the consistency and identity that they desperately need.

"I think what this gives is a potential building block in terms of consistency," Toland said.

"I think the word consistency requires a definition of sorts. You look at the interprovincials over the last couple of weeks, there's all sorts of reasons there's been inconsistent performances. If you've got players like RG Snyman in your team sheet, it allows you to form a gameplan that can become consistent regardless of the referee and the conditions."

Snyman is so valuable to Munster because they don't have too many players on his level.

Most of the Ireland starting 15 is now dominated by Leinster players. Too many of Munster's best players are fringe squad players or second options at their positions for international rugby. Snyman is a gamechanging player who can have a similar impact to Will Skelton.

But it's not just the veterans. Toland also notes that Munster are looking prematurely to young players in key roles who simply aren't ready yet.

"You look at the team selection over the last two weeks, against Connacht and then against Ulster. There's a lot of chopping and changing of players. Adding new faces and all that. Players like RG Snyman are hugely significant in how the incoming coaching structure can actually say 'we can actually build a certain gameplan because these guys are genuine world class players.'

"And at the moment Munster are struggling. There's a lot of interesting, talented players. Ben Healy as an out-half or Thomas Ahearne in second row, they're miles off that level yet. They have potential.

"But when you're hoping to perform at a consistent level you need players like RG Snyman starting."

"He's a very honourable man" - Gerry Thornley on Johann Van Graan

 

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Johann Van Graan Munster RG Snyman Thomas Ahearne