Anthony Foley has said Munster's abundance of homegrown talent has given him a welcome headache ahead of a red-hot Pro12 derby showdown with Leinster next Saturday evening.
Simon Zebo became Munster's all-time top try scorer in a 47-0 bonus-point trouncing of Zebre on Friday night, as the hosts overcame difficult conditions to climb up to fourth in the table.
Every one of the starting 15 was born in the province and came through the Munster Academy, and head coach Foley is more than happy to be facing some tough selection calls.
"It’s a big week next week for us," he told RTÉ Sport. "A couple of fellas picked up one or two small bangs. If we can build on the fellas coming back, we’ll have some very competitive training sessions... and make sure there’s enough in the tank for next Saturday. Hopefully we get through it.
“[The Leinster clash] will be built up. It’s important we go about our job properly. They’re a very good side, very well coached. We need to go up there, make sure we look after each other and make sure we play for one another.
"The lads can co into the couple of days over Easter now – hopefully not eat too many eggs!"
"Rory Scannell got man of the match. He's still technically an Academy player. To be stepping up and getting man-of-the-matches is an impressive feat.
“Our starting 15 all came through our academy, there’s great work being done. It gives us another dilemma in terms of who starts where. We’ve a lot of very good players putting up their hands. It’s a good place to be."
Despite playing into the teeth of a strong gale in the opening period, Munster led 14-0 at the break.
Second-half tries from Zebo, CJ Stander and Conor Murray, along with a second penalty try, then blew the Italians away, with Foley praising the way his men went about their business.
“The conditions were tough out there at times," he said. "I thought the boys went about the job really well. It was important we understood possession was paramount.
"It was about getting the ball and making sure we were intelligent about what we did, playing in the right areas of the pitch, putting Zebre under pressure to chase the game from very deep.
“I don’t think we left that much out there. The lads can co into the couple of days over Easter now – hopefully not eat too many eggs! – and it’s about making sure we’re right for Monday and we’re right for work."
