“He was exceptional” – Johann Van Graan raves about Conor Oliver’s Munster return

It's the loneliest place in the world, the road back from injury.

And, when you're young and still trying to make the breakthrough to the big time, being sidelined at any stage - never mind for half the season - can be frustrating, disheartening and, if you let it, it can set you back. Conor Oliver didn't let it. The young Munster flanker sustained a shoulder injury in pre-season last summer and, after requiring surgery, he had to sit out for the rest of 2017 when it had started so promising for the Dubliner in his first season at Thomond Park. On Saturday night in Limerick, Oliver kickstarted his second campaign with a performance that justifies the hype that follows him from Skerries through Blackrock en route to the south west. Munster swatted Connacht aside with 26 points to spare and head coach Johann Van Graan had nothing but praise for the flanker.

"I thought he was exceptional," the South African said after the game. "On the back of Chris Cloete, we've had some brilliant performances at openside. [We're] very pleased for him to come back after that injury and play 80 minutes. "One of his biggest threats is his poach threat. He didn't really go for the ball because we had to adapt to the breakdown, but his carrying ability and line-speed... we all said 'well done' for a very good 80 minutes. "He gives us good balance. His speed is also a very good attribute for the team . For his size he's a good line-out jumper and it's nice to have two very good opensides available."

For flankers alone now, Munster are so well stacked it's almost enviable. The injury to Tommy O'Donnell was met with an immediate boost because of Conor Oliver stepping in and stepping up and it leaves Van Graan's options strong. Munster flankers

• Peter O'Mahony
• Chris Cloete
• Conor Oliver
• Tommy O'Donnell
• Dave O'Callaghan

After losing to both Leinster and Ulster, it was vital for Munster to draw a line under those games and finish the inter-pros on a high. In fairness, they did that emphatically. It was also important to head into the final Champions Cup group games with some momentum as all attention turns to Europe now.

• Racing 92 v Munster (Sunday 14 January)
• Munster v Castres Olympique (Sunday 21 January)

And it's exciting to think that Oliver is just getting started. Again.