A couple of months ago, we examined the options that were open to Munster should they wish to bite the bullet and look elsewhere following Ian Keatley's extended run of bad form. The reaction to that analysis was mixed to say the least. Essentially it went along the lines of the schism that has developed in Munster rugby over the past couple of seasons.
On one hand you have the opinion that someone such as Keatley needs to be supported no matter what. The crowd getting on his back will hardly improve the situation and speculating as to who will replace him is simply unfair on a player who needs support as opposed to ridicule. On the other hand, there's the belief that if a player is not performing to the required level, something needs to be done.
Now it would appear that something is being done.
Included in our options that Munster could/should take a look at was Johan Goosen. He was the most ambitious option of the five that we put forward but now it would appear that the former 'next big thing' in South African rugby is top of Munster's list.
The Irish Independent are this morning reporting that Goosen, who has fallen down to third spot in the out-half pecking order at Racing 92, is the man that Munster have identified to challenge Keatley for a starting spot at the start of next season.
Goosen moved to Racing in 2014, while Johnny Sexton was the French side's incumbent number 10. Sexton has since been replaced by Dan Carter and Goosen has looked no closer to claiming a regular starting spot with Remi Tales also ahead of him. However, he is still only 23 and despite some injury worries in recent seasons, he certainly has the potential, and the profile, to significantly boost Munster's out-half options in the near future.
Gooson had been linked with a move back to South Africa but with Keatley's struggles and Tyler Bleyendaal's seemingly endless struggles with injury, Munster could well be in line to make a big push to convince him that Thomond Park is the place to regain the form that had marked him out as one of the world's most exciting prospects after he made his Springboks debut all the way back in 2012.
