Only one man is likely to stay but there is still a possibility that both could go.
The shame for Francis Saili is that he got injured, late last season, just as he was hitting good form. After getting injured at the tail-end of 2015/16, Saili would have hoped for a good run at this season only for the shoulder niggles to remain. Surgery was required and it was the last thing the All Blacks star needed.
He would have been happy to see Jaco Taute doing so well for the Munster cause but, from a personal point of view, that made things complicated. Taute did so well, and bought into the Munster story so much, that he was offered an extension until the end of the season.
Saili would not have envisaged sitting on the Munster bench for their Champions Cup semi final against Saracens. He came to Europe to write some new chapters in his rugby career; to make a difference.
As it turned out, Saili got 25 minutes against Sarries. In that short time, he made 41 metres off four carries with one clean break and three defenders beaten. He dished out a superb offload to Andrew Conway that should have led to a try were it not for the winger knocking on. Saili took the ball up to the line and did more than just crash it into traffic.
It was a shame that Taute had one of his most ineffectual performances of the season but that’s had it goes. Munster were struggling to get over the gainline in the Saracens half and Taute was shut down in the stultifying, claustrophobic midfield. Five carries for five metres. One defender beaten. Little of note.
Still, many Munster fans would prefer the South African to the Kiwi when new contracts are decided upon in the coming weeks. Taute’s doggedness and drive have enamoured him to the Munster faithful while Saili has sparkled in infrequent bursts.
Both men are out of contract this summer but Munster should stick with Saili if they want to push on and take a proper run at the Champions Cup.
Rory Scannell is well established as an inside centre now at Munster and Saili can provide that attacking spark that differentiates their attacking game-plan. He is an out-and-out line breaker and someone who draws defenders to him. His offloads and passes to put teammates through gaps were evident in recent wins over Ospreys and Glasgow.
Ronan O’Gara raved about Saili after his Racing 92 side were turned over at Thomond Park. Here was a guy, O’Gara marvelled, that transformed Munster’s running game and gave his side headaches. And that was off the back of 32 minutes off the bench.
In tight games we need more creativity – Saili vs Taute decision at end of season will be interesting. Two good talents. #MUNvSAR
— handsintheruck (@Handsintheruck) April 24, 2017
Taute is the man, but that was outrageous from Saili. Would love to have both of them in the squad for next season. #MUNvULS
— Timmy Boohig (@timboohig) April 15, 2017
Taute and Saili in at 12 and 13 tomorrow 😍😍😍
— Declan (@BigDeccyH) April 7, 2017
Taute has the better statistics from this season as he has started more games and had an immense purple patch from October through to January. Coming from a Super Rugby set-up into a European season has worn on him in recent weeks, however.
Taute will give it his all for Munster over the final few weeks of the season and his stock has risen over the course of this season. If Munster cannot offer him a new deal, he won’t be short of suitors.
Sticking with Saili is the bigger risk but it has the potential to offer the greater reward.
Saracens were more than able to cope with everything Munster could could at them on Saturday but Saili was a conundrum they could not tie down. Mucks and bullets will still be required in the final few weeks of this season and for a renewed campaign next time out.
Saili is just as determined to make it at Munster as he was when he first arrived. He is the gamble but he could yet be the key.
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