Rugby

Munster’s Denis Leamy on Simon Zebo: ‘His God-given talent is massive’

Defence coach praises the 34-year-old as province move towards their last three URC matches before knockout phase

Simon Zebo of Munster. Photograph: SteveHaagSports/Deon van der Merwe/Inpho

Johnny Watterson
Wed May 8 2024 - 14:51

Never less than eye catching, Simon Zebo had two good outings recently with Munster after questioning his future in the game once this season has finished. That was as recently as last month after Munster lost to Northampton in the Champions Cup.

But the 34-year-old has been given the nod ahead of Mike Haley in recent games in South Africa, showing that injury-free there is plenty more in the Zebo tank.

“A great character. I think Zeebs’ infectious personality is definitely something on and off the pitch,” says Munster defence coach Denis Leamy. “We all certainly enjoy being around him. I suppose the atmosphere he creates is brilliant and it’s great for team morale. On the pitch an incredibly talented player. I’ve been on the record a few weeks ago speaking about his instincts for the game, his God-given talent. Massive.”

As Munster move towards their last three United Rugby Championship (URC) matches before the knockout phase begins, Zebo along with wingers Calvin Nash and Shane Daly started together in a back three in both matches against the Bulls and the Lions, helping secure bonus points wins in both.

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“Certainly, one of the best players in terms of talent that I’ve played with and I’ve coached without a doubt,” says Leamy. “And his ability then on the pitch ... he just has so much ability to see players early. He sees things before other people. One of his great attributes is that he is able to work the backfield in such a way that he probably limits the amount of tackles he has to make.”

As Munster face Connacht in a derby fixture this weekend in Thomond Park, there are likely to be rotational changes to the matchday squad. Limited game time because of injury has been Zebo’s story of the last few seasons. Fit again, that’s how Munster hope he remains with Connacht, Edinburgh and Ulster before the URC quarter-finals take place in the first week of June.

“His ability to get people into good positions, his ability to see stuff before it seems like it’s going to happen, very gifted in that department,” adds Leamy. “He’s worked with younger players and his player-coach mentality is very good as well. I don’t think he’d tell you he’s going to be a coach, but he is a great influence on younger players and helping them see the game in a different way.”

Johnny Watterson

Johnny Watterson

Johnny Watterson is a sports writer with The Irish Times

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