Jack Crowley says Munster Rugby players 'excited' for La Rochelle challenge

MUNSTER Rugby out-half Jack Crowley says the players are 'excited' for the challenge of facing Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle side in their last 16 stage Investec Champions Cup clash in France next weekend.

Play-maker Crowley turned in a Man of the Match display, scoring 15 points, including a crucial try, as Munster Rugby secured a precious bonus point 30-24 win over Connacht in the URC at a sold-out MacHale Park, Castlebar on Saturday.

Munster overcame the loss of centre Alex Nankivell in the 25th minute to secure a vital win which has moved the side up to fifth place in the URC table as the battle for play-off places hots up.

Asked about how the side had managed to successfully cope with playing 55 minutes of the game with 14 players, Ireland out-half Crowley said: "It is a credit to the leaders in the team, the more experienced lads and the staff, then had a plan in place even with the conditions.

"It is something you have to have in place both in Thomond Park and playing in the West, so just having that plan and trusting it, I thought it was really good. Obviously it was difficult at times with the card, but that is the sport and you have to get on with it. I thought the lads fronted up unbelievably well, the forwards."

Out-half Crowley said the game in Co Mayo was ideal preparation for next Saturday's Investec Champions Cup clash with Top 14 side La Rochelle at the Stade Marcel Deflandre on Saturday, 5.30pm Irish time.

"Absolutely. It is a challenge (v La Rochelle) we are excited for, but obviously today is one that is unbelievably tough with Connacht and we will enjoy that. Back into it again next week," Crowley added.

Crowley said it was 'unbelievable' to have been able to play the fixture in the home of Mayo GAA.

"First of all I think, in terms of conditions, it is a pretty cool place to play. I think it is a really cool thing to be able to play in MacHale Park," Crowley enthused.

"It has a lot of culture in the GAA and that is something that, as Irish people, we are very proud of, so I think first of all it is unbelievable to play here.

"In terms of the environment and everything, I thought the support was unbelievable for both sides. It was a proper good game and really enjoyed it."