A fitting finale to cap an entertaining if not always expert round of inter-pro derbies. Connacht succumbed to a steely Munster showing, 31-24, but one man did his hopes of an Ireland call-up the world of good with a powerful performance from the centre.
Tom Farrell has embodied all that is good in this well-drilled Nigel Carolan coached backs outfit and he demonstrated it once again tonight. The 25-year-old was magnificent alongside debutant Tom Daly, in both defence and attack. He displayed his prowess in both early in the game to make a big rip and breakaway for Connacht's opening try.
10: TRY @connachtrugby!
Tom Farrell with a break away try to give Connacht an early lead.
LIVE now on eir sport 1! #GuinnessPRO14 #CONvMUN pic.twitter.com/dUSO8vNQqG
— eir Sport (@eirSport) January 5, 2019
Farrell was central to Cian Kelleher's second-half try as well, punching a hole through Munster's rush defence and laying off a perfect left-handed pass to free the Connacht winger.
Don't be surprised if you see Tom Farrell on the plane to Japan. He is balling.
Conway and Carbery really controlling the game well.
Both teams fronting up massively. A great first half.#CONvMUN— The Loose Head (@TheLooseH) January 5, 2019
Tom Farrell surely playing his way into the Six Nations squad here. Hard to believe he was a Championship player a year ago
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) January 5, 2019
The former Landsdowne man is a dynamic presence with a wide-ranging offloading ability. His consistent level of performance has seen him shot up the Irish centre ranking and he was called in to train with the Ireland squad during their recent November Internationals.
Can Tom Farrell make Six Nations squad? Céard a cheapann sibh?@connachtrugby #GuinnessPRO14 #TG4 pic.twitter.com/uIerrBHjn5
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 5, 2019
In the past, Farrell has spoken openly about his hopes of inclusion in Joe Schmidt's squad. Tonight he showed why that could well be soon to come.
