'Cranky' Alex Nankivell impressing as Munster begin to hit straps

Munster boss Graham Rowntree hailed Alex Nankivell's performance against Connacht and believes his squad are in a really good place coming down the final stretch of the URC season.

Kiwi centre Nankivell, who moved to Ireland from the Chiefs last summer, was the tournament’s player of the weekend.

The 27-year-old scored Munster’s third try in the 42-17 win, made 121 metres from 14 carries and had nine gainline successes.

He also chipped in with a try-saving tackle on Shamus Hurley-Langton when the game was in the mix.

"Nanks in particular, I thought. That [tackle] was outstanding," said head coach Rowntree after the game.

"He's been good for us. We left him out against Lions for good reason. We had a good look at Sean O'Brien in that game.

"He's a tough character, he's good around the group. 'Cranks’, ‘Cranky’, we call him.

"Physicality is his specialty. He was good tonight without being perfect.

"I am [pleased with where we are], I am but as boring and pragmatic as an old prop forward can be, we'll take it week by week and we’ll see where we end up on the first of June.

Alex Nankivell breaks away to score Munster's third try. Jack Crowley makes it three out of three from the tee.

MUN 21-7 CON