Joey Faces A Big Test

Johann van Graan: Carbery’s a huge part of my plans but it’s a long journey to get back to his best

- Michael Scully

Joey carbery can return to his best – but it will take time for him to hit the heights again, warns Johann van Graan.

Carbery, 25, returned to action for Munster when he came off the bench in the victory in Cardiff last weekend, immediately sparking hopes he can be a game-changer at No.10 for the Reds and for Ireland.

Munster head coach van Graan is preaching caution and patience as the former Leinster starlet finds his feet again after 13 months out with ankle and wrist injuries. But while van Graan will look to manage Carbery’s gametime and work-load, he does believe the mercurial out-half is in top-class shape.

“Firstly, I guess the main thing is that you just have to look at his upper body and see that he’s had a very long time in the gym,” said the South African in his press conference ahead of Friday’s clash with Connacht.

“He looks in fantastic physical form. “In terms of the rugby part of his