Munro seizes the moment

Replacing Rene Ranger isn't exactly an easy task but when Lachie Munro starts on the wing for the Blues tonight against the Highlanders, he feels confident of acquitting himself well.
The Northland utility may have been something of a surprise signing but he has become a regular feature of the Blues line-up this season and was the obvious choice to replace a hamstrung Rene Ranger this weekend.
"Rene was on fire for the team before he went off last weekend but I'll try and fill his boots as well as I can against the Highlanders," he said.
It has been a dream season for the 24-year-old Munro, whose maturity on the field has seen him make the most of the opportunities handed to him.
"Even earlier in the season when I was hoping to get a bench spot, I got a couple of starts and that's set the tone for the year, it's really exceeded my expectations," he said.
"I must have done all right, I mean they've signed me for next year so I get to play another year for the Blues and also another couple of seasons with the Taniwha so with all that security that lets you really concentrate on your performance."
Now the Blues face their final round test against the Highlanders in Auckland, trying to snap a four-game losing streak to kick-off their post-season on a positive note.
"The boys are confident we can get a result here at Eden Park, it's the first time the Blues have had a chance in the finals for quite a while," he said.
"It looks like if we win we'll get a home game and if we lose we'll have to travel but we don't want to get ahead of ourselves, we need to make sure we do our jobs and win the game."
Munro has developed into a genuine utility back over the past year. He started his representative rugby career at 10 but recently has been wearing bigger numbers on his back. "I'm happy to be all over the place and if you're getting starts then it shows that you're a realistic option in those positions," he said.
"I'd be happiest playing at fullback I suppose, or on the wing but it makes it tough when Rene plays as well as he did last week and then you have to come on and try and live up to that," he said.
Unlike many wingers, Munro remains a good option as goal-kicker for coach Pat Lam. He enjoys goal-kicking and said it doesn't affect his game but won't know if he's kicking in tonight's game until this afternoon when the team gets together.
The Mid Western player has already moved north to Whangarei, with the ITM Cup competition starting in a few short weeks.