He wanted to move from Munster to get more game time after sitting on the bench too often, and the Irish former Junior World Player of the Year nominee JJ Hanrahan has finally gotten his wish.
The Kerry man has made a great start to life as a Saint, and has been rewarded by Northampton coach Jim Mallinder by retaining the out-half jersey for their Champions Cup game this weekend. Hanrahan is named in a strong team, and his star performance last week keeps regular fly-half Stephen Myler on the bench.
Five changes for @ChampionsCup trip to Paris, inc @VictorMatfield's first start and return of @Courtney_Lawes! 😇🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/kILz6Kbdqu
— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) December 11, 2015
His direct opposition?
Just the current World Player of the Year Dan Carter. No problem for Hanrahan then.
Carter is making his first appearance for his new club, but he will have familar faces in former teammates Joe Rokocoko, Casey Laulala and Chris Masoe in the lineup with him.
They are joined in a strong looking Racing team by the likes of big Ben Tameifuna, Mike Phillips, and Argentine flier Juan Imhoff.
Une charnière inédite @mikephillips009 et @DanCarter titulaires pour recevoir @SaintsRugby ce samedi ! #R92Saints pic.twitter.com/iGxGC1G0td
— Racing 92 (@racing92) December 11, 2015
It should be the one non-Irish game that Irish interest will be piqued for.
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
