Ben Healy may yet regret Scotland switch as Munster No10 pecking order changes dramatically
Another big fightback from Munster. Another brilliant cameo from Ben Healy. The Edinburgh-bound out-half has made a habit of late interventions.
Healy, who replaced Jack Crowley in the 54th-minute of Saturday's clash with the Sharks, brought his customary calm to proceedings when he entered the fray in Durban.
The 23-year-old more than played his part in a late fightback, which secured a 22-all draw - securing a URC quarterfinal meeting with Glasgow and, crucially, Champions Cup rugby next season in the process.
This two-week tour of South Africa has been good for Healy. He was impressive in the battling win against the Stormers as well. It's also led to dramatic change in the No10 pecking order.
Jack Crowley has seemingly forged ahead as first-choice out-half, with Healy playing backup. Joey Carbery, meanwhile, has suddenly found himself on the periphery.
The Crowley and Healy double act has always looked well balanced.
Crowley is the brash playmaker who makes things happen. Healy is the cool, collected old-school No10 with a canon of a right boot.
They complement each other well. It was evident in an another comeback, against Ulster at the turn of the year.
Munster were lying 11th in the URC table at the time and things were going from bad to worse in Belfast, the visitors trailing 14-5 with time running out.
Step forward, Healy. The Tipperary native spearheaded a late rally, scoring a penalty and late try to snatch a stunning late win at Kingspan Stadium. That win proved a catalyst for a mid-season revival in Munster's fortunes.
Ironically, Healy would sign for Edinburgh a few days later, at a time when his Munster stock was never higher. A career move which was met with no end of disappointment from the fanbase.
Why was a homegrown player upping sticks at such a young age to pursue a new career path abroad?
'This has been a huge decision to make, and working closely with the province, I have had the chance to give it the time and consideration it warranted,' Healy said following his confirmed departure.
'Making the decision to leave my home club has not been easy and I am hugely grateful for the opportunity to represent my province.
'I have career objectives I wish to target, and I believe a move to a club such as Edinburgh Rugby gives me the best opportunity to fulfil my professional goals.'
The lure of international rugby was top of that list. Healy had looked at the Ireland depth chart and surveyed his supposed rivals - both at Munster and further afield - and felt his chances of pulling on an Ireland shirt were slim. Could he force his way past the likes of Harry Byrne, Ciarán Frawley, Crowley and Carbery in the years ahead?
He was aware of his Scottish ancestry. Gregor Townsend has been in touch on more than one occasion. He had spurned an advance from Glasgow at the tailend of 2020. When Townsend came calling again a few months ago, Healy's head was finally turned.
He made his debut for the Scots as a replacement against Italy in the Six Nations. He has hitched his wagon to the Scottish cause. Next season he will be lining out for Edinburgh.
Indeed, he could be jetting off to Paris with Townsend and Co, ahead of the World Cup. Who knows, he may make an appearance against Ireland in that pivotal pool game in Paris on October 7.
There would something Shakespearean about seeing Healy blast over a late penalty to ruin Ireland's World Cup dream.
You'd imagine Healy has long made peace with his career choices. Will he regret this move down the line, however?
It's worth noting that he was third choice out-half at Munster when he signed on the dotted line with Edinburgh. The selection picture has changed dramatically since. Healy may be wondering what could have been?
No doubt, he is going to play a central role with Edinburgh and he is likely to accumulate plenty of Scotland caps, even though Finn Russell and the likes of Blair Kinghorn and Adam Hastings are all still in the prime of their respective careers. Still, you feel that Healy's heart was with Munster and, ultimately, representing the country of his birth was always the dream when he was developing through the age grades.
There was clearly a place for a player of his talents in the Munster setup. Healy is not the flashest No10 on the provincial beat, but he is a big-game player, a commanding presence and a clutch goalkicker. Traits which defined a certain iron-willed Corkman who left a seismic void at Thomond Park when he retired in 2013.
Ross Byrne, belatedly, is now being lauded for fitting the same profile. And Healy has consistently delivered big moments in big games. He will be a huge loss to the operation next season.
It relieves something of a logjam. Carbery, who is suffering a crisis in form and confidence, will come back into the equation in the next campaign. Healy will be gone and he should move back into contention.
Crowley looks short-odds to make it to France for the big one later in the year. He will be reporting back for Munster training with a spring in a his step if that proves to be the case. Carbery might rediscover his mojo and Healy's move may well be justified.
But he may wonder what might have been if he chose to stick around and back himself at his home club. Tenacity has been a cornerstone of his game since he bust onto the scene back in 2020.
Scotland saw that value from a long way out. And they'll to reap the rewards in the years ahead.
Still, Healy might have a few regrets, especially after this late-season flourish with Munster.
