RUGBY:n an ageing team, the progress of 21-year-old Danny Barnes has helped solve Munster's problems at midfield, writes JOHN O'SULLIVAN

TALENT ALONE does not suffice. It is merely a conduit to an opportunity. The formative process is often a cruel environment where the fittest initially just try and survive, never mind thrive. Occasionally there are exceptions; a young player whose good habits, skill set, application and determination allow them to expedite the more common progression graph. Good fortune and timing represent hidden ingredients in the recipe of player development.

When Munster coach Tony McGahan reflects, probably for the umpteenth time on the season just gone, in the days and weeks after today’s Magners League final against Leinster at Thomond Park, and irrespective of whether the home side win or lose, he will come across the difference made by a handful of youngsters, whose contribution bodes well in attempting to fulfil short and medium term goals at the province.

Felix Jones, Conor Murray, Simon Zebo and Mike Sherry to name but four have made a significant impact but it is another, 21-year-old Danny Barnes who is threatening to provide a solution to a problem that has perplexed McGahan for large tranches of the season; namely striking the right balance in midfield.

Many were called but few had the desired impact. Barnes is threatening to change that assertion. It’s not simply because he scored two tries in Munster’s semi-final victory over the Ospreys, but the manner of his recent performances. He was played just eight times for the province at senior level – four starts – and only six this season.

It’s premature and perhaps a little unfair to burden him with unrealistic expectations based on a slim body of evidence at this level but his pedigree suggests an aptitude to sustain that positive impact.

Born in Auckland – he cites All Black Sonny Bill Williams as his favourite player – the family moved to Ardfert in Kerry when he was 10 years old and for the next eight years he played his rugby with Tralee RFC before joining Dolphin.

His prowess can be gleaned from underage representative honours that began with the Munster U-18 club side, saw him progress to Munster U-19 and U-20 teams before graduating to the provincial academy and recently signing a development contract. He played for the Ireland U-20 team in the 2009 IRB World Championships in Japan.

Injuries may have been an occasional hindrance but could not camouflage his potential for a young man who can play either wing or centre. His style is to be physically combative, not an easy remit when first dipping a toe in elite senior rugby. It takes many longer to acquire that confidence.

The esteem in which he is held within the Munster squad can be gleaned from an appraisal offered by captain, Paul O’Connell, who ventured: “Danny is a very strong guy. He’s very skilful and quick. But it’s great to see his physicality. So many young players have the skills but he relishes the physical challenge and that’s great for old guys like me to see.

“He can play anywhere. I’m not an expert on backs play, but he’s incredibly confident and has great skills.”

It’s an impressive advocacy. For his part, Barnes is preoccupied in trying to justify his new found status. In a recent interview with the Kerryman newspaper, he tried to offer some perspective on his feelings.

“When you train with players like Paul O’Connell, Ronan O’Gara and Keith Earls, it’s just an amazing experience. Just to watch them in training is great because you can learn so much. But this is exactly where I want to be, pushing for a place on the team. Earlier in the season after I dislocated my elbow and didn’t play in many games, I wasn’t sure if my future was with Munster.

“I was just grateful to play in any few games so when they gave me a new contract I was delighted. Then I started in the last few games so I am thrilled with the way things are going at the moment. Trying to improve now and get better is the main thing. I just have to keep training away and keep working hard. Hopefully things will happen for me then. It’s important to stay injury-free as well. To start regularly for Munster is the goal.”

He admitted that he couldn’t have countenanced playing in the Magners League Grand Final a few weeks ago never mind at the start of the season.

But McGahan has entrusted him with the jersey and tonight he will oppose Ireland captain, Brian O’Driscoll; the yardstick by which all centres are judged, Irish and otherwise.

Barnes will also be in close proximity to Fergus McFadden, the latter appreciably further down the road on a journey on which his Munster opponent is embarking.

The exuberance of youth will be tempered by a few nerves but, based on the evidence of his performances to date, he won’t look for the cocoon of orthodoxy.

How Barnes fares will be mitigated by the traditional parameters of platform and quality of possession that will be largely determined by others.

All he wanted was an opportunity and he has earned that right.

Age: 21

Club: Dolphin

Birthplace: Auckland

Height: 6'

Weight: 90kg (14st 2lbs)

Representative honours: Munster U-18 clubs, Munster U-19, Munster U-20, Munster A, Munster, Ireland U-20.

Munster caps: 8

Points: 10 (2 tries)