Alex Kendellen targeting big finish to dream debut season

It hasn't been a shock that he's settled into the professional game, but even Alex Kendellen can admit his season has gone better than expected.

Last summer's Ireland U20 captain had been marked down in the 'one to watch' category coming into the new season, having made his debut off the bench in last season's Rainbow Cup.

The 21-year-old back row is only in his second year in the Munster academy, but he won't be there for long more, with the province confirming in January he would advance to a two-year contract with the senior squad next term.

Of Munster's last 16 games, Kendellen has played in 15 of them, with half of his appearances this season coming either in Interpros or the Heineken Champions Cup.

In short, he's being trusted in the games that matter.

"As a young guy coming in here I wanted to play in those big games, they're the ones you're striving for," he said, when asked of being selected for crunch games.

In particular, he's proven a nuisance for Ulster in his two games against them, scoring a game-winning try against them at Thomond Park last January - his first in a Munster shirt - before putting in a Player of the Match display in last Friday night's derby in Belfast.

An ankle injury to Gavin Coombes, and further knocks to John Hodnett and Chris Cloete means Kendellen's gametime is likely to continue in the coming weeks, with Johann van Graan having used him in both Champions Cup last 16 games against Exeter, as well as the defeat of Ulster a week ago.

The home tie against the Chiefs, in which Munster turned over a 13-8 first leg deficit to progress 34-23 on aggregate remains the standout though.

"That Exeter game in Thomond Park, that was a special one.

"I've heard a few of the older lads saying that was the best