RG Snyman is a game-changer for Munster so securing the Bok lock’s future must be a priority for the province

Cian Tracey

Munster's RG Snyman. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

October 05 2021 02:30 AM

Munster supporters have had to stay patient, but the glimpses of RG Snyman’s rare ability over the last fortnight is exactly why the province were so keen to sign him, and indeed why they must do everything in their power to secure his future.

No one felt Snyman’s 13-month absence more than the South African himself, and while it has been a long road to recovery, Munster are finally about to start seeing a return on their investment.

Up until a couple of weeks ago, Snyman hadn’t played in Thomond Park, yet to have witnessed the warm reception from the home crowd, firstly when he began his warm-up and later when he took to the pitch, suggested that the remarkably talented Springbok lock could become a fan favourite.

As the 26-year-old made his way along the side of the pitch, there were high-fives aplenty, the beaming smile speaking volumes for how at home he is feeling in his new surrounds.

Given the tough time he has endured since arriving in Limerick in the summer of 2020, Snyman could easily have detached himself from the Munster set-up, yet it has been the complete opposite.

Speak to anyone associated with the squad and they will tell you how much of a positive influence Snyman has been, particularly with the younger players. For a man who has only managed to play 45 minutes in 14 months, it is quite the feat.

A torn ACL eight minutes into his debut was the worst possible start as the excitement around signing the World Cup winner quickly diminished.

Just when it looked like there was light at the end of the tunnel, an injury setback followed by a fire pit accident, which left Snyman with serious burns that required a skin graft, cost him even more time out.

However, those dark days look to be behind him and having enjoyed his first taste of a Thomond Park match night against the Sharks, Snyman’s outrageous one-handed try in the win over the Stormers last weekend really announced his arrival.

The roar that followed was as loud as when Simon Zebo marked his return to Munster with two tries the previous week, while the joyous reaction from Snyman’s team-mates highlighted how popular he is behind the scenes.

It’s easy to see why too, because any player in their right mind would relish playing alongside someone with such a vast skill-set.

Johann van Graan deserves credit for making that happen too, as he not only had a key role in signing Snyman, but the Munster head coach has also, as he did with Joey Carbery, played the long game in terms of not rushing one of his key men back.

Snyman will hope to get plenty of game-time over the coming weeks because like Damian de Allende, he is unlikely to be available to Munster during the November international window.

For Munster, that means all sorts of risks, namely picking up another injury, whilst also putting one of their prized assets into a bigger ‘shop window’.

Just as De Allende is out of contract at the end of the season, Snyman’s deal also expires in June 2022, with plenty of overseas clubs sure to be monitoring the situation very closely.

That said, Munster will be comforted by the fact that Snyman has settled well in Limerick, despite his torrid experience off the pitch. By the time he returns to Limerick after the international break, Munster will be hoping to see Snyman in Heineken Champions Cup action for the first time, with games against Wasps and Castres to come before the festive meeting with Leinster.

The 23-times-capped second-row was signed to help Munster bridge the power gap, and the early signs are that he will do just that, with tougher tests to come over the course of the season.

Van Graan will be relieved that Snyman doesn’t appear to have lost any of his searing pace on the back of such a serious knee injury, while he still hits extremely hard and can create something out of nothing with his sensational offloading ability.

Munster will continue to ease Snyman back and as supporters finally enjoy seeing him playing regularly in red, they will be keeping their fingers and toes crossed that he is still doing so beyond the end of the season.