Clayton McMillan admits concern for Oli Jager amid Munster's late season surge

Munster’s 41 – 14 win over Ulster at Thomond Park should have been framed as another step forward in a late season surge towards the URC play offs and perhaps even a home quarterfinal.

A second successive bonus point victory that has nudged them into the top five and restored a sense of momentum at a crucial point in the campaign. Yet the immediate aftermath told a different story for Clayton McMillan’s side.

There was disruption before a ball had even been kicked, with Jack Crowley withdrawn in the final moments of the warm up after failing to shake off a dead leg. Slotting in veteran JJ Hanrahan at Outhalf saw Munster unsurprisingly start the contest out of rhythm, struggling to manage territory and build fluency in their multiphase attack.

That instability carried into the game itself, as Munster were forced into further changes.

By the time the final whistle sounded, Tom Farrell had departed with a shoulder injury, Calvin Nash with a hamstring issue, Jean Kleyn with a bicep concern, and Tadhg Beirne after a heavy fall that left him struggling. Most concerning of all, Oli Jager once again left the field following an injury, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already growing list.

Speaking on this sequence events head coach Clayton McMillan openly acknowledged the impact it had on his side’s rhythm throughout the contest.

“Some of the clunkiness of the performance can be attributed in part to a bit of disruption,” McMillan said in what was a measured assessment.

Ulster struck first through winger Aitzol Arenzana-King and could easily have added to their tally with ample possession and territory in an opening period where Munster appeared hesitant and reactive.

Twice holding the visitors up over the line but rarely dictating the terms of the contest, Munster would only take control when backrow Tom Brigg was shown a yellow card.

This would be the catalyst that swung the pendulum to the red corner with  John Hodnett capitalising to score twice during that spell.

From there, Munster’s control grew, their execution sharpened and the scoreboard moved quickly, with Hodnett who spent the second half on the wing crossing the line four times and Alex Kendellen adding three from the bench.

The victory itself was important, lifting Munster to 51 points and crucially within touching distance of the top four heading into the final two rounds.

Counting the cost of the victory, McMillan was candid in admitting that “two or three” of the injuries sustained could prove to be season ending.

There was at least some encouragement around Beirne, with McMillan indicating that the captain was “walking around all right” despite the discomfort. Yet the most pressing concern centres on Jager, whose latest setback inevitably carries a different weight given his recent history.

Jager had only returned to action the previous week against Benetton after an absence of almost three months, a period in which he had been managed carefully following a series of concussion issues that have punctuated his career. His removal from this fixture for a similar reason raises fresh questions about his availability for the remainder of the season.

McMillan was understandably cautious in his assessment, emphasising the need to avoid premature conclusions while making clear his concern for the player.

“I feel for him in particular because he’s come back strong and to have another setback is pretty concerning, but I don’t want to jump to any conclusions yet,” he said.

That balance between concern and restraint reflects the reality of the situation, as Jager’s career to date has been defined as much by his resilience as by his performances.

From his development in New Zealand with Canterbury and the Crusaders to his return to Irish rugby with Munster and subsequent international recognition, yet it is precisely that journey that makes the current situation all the more delicate.

For their part Munster have invested in specialist support for the 30-year-old and have taken a considered approach to his rehabilitation.

Munster now face a challenge that  is twofold, as they look to maintain their push towards the play offs with fixtures against Connacht and the Lions still to come. Whilst managing an ever increasing injury toll that will test their squad depth.

The win over Ulster demonstrated their ability to back up performances and crucially to find solutions within a game. But it also served as a reminder that success at this stage of the season is rarely straightforward.