Even a fired up Simon Zebo was unable to prevent Munster falling to Connacht at the Sportsground on Friday night. The winger crashed over the Connacht line after just four minutes - he looked like someone with a point to prove.
During the week, the 27-year-old was omitted from the Ireland squad for the November internationals against Fiji, South Africa and Argentina. It came days after it was announced Zebo will depart Munster at the end of the season.
The Top 14 and Racing 92 is expected to be his destination. Though, Ronan O'Gara wrote in yesterday's Irish Examiner that it is not yet a done deal.
Speaking to the media after last night's game, Zebo - quoted by RTÉ - said that Joe Schmidt has told him why he was left out.
"I spoke to Joe and he explained his reasons around it. You know that could potentially happen, but it's never easy when you're not involved.
If I wasn't able to compete or didn't think I was good enough it'd just go over my head, but it's a level I should be at and I've proven I should be at it and that's why it's disappointing."
Zebo added that he doesn't regret deciding to leave Munster, risking international exile - "I decided to be in that position."
He says that playing in France - along with for Munster, Ireland and the Lions - has always been one of his dreams.
It's a very short career, so I wasn't going to let it go by without doing it.
At least I've the balls to do it and I won't shirk away from a challenge. I won't look back on my career with any regret.
Photo by Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile
