John O'Sullivan on the New Zealander who has made Munster's number 12 jersey his own

A decision taken in umbrage, a rail against the perceived injustice of being overlooked in his native New Zealand, provided the starting point for a remarkable journey by Jason Holland. Today at Thomond Park the 29-year-old New Zealander will fulfil a role he has made his own over the past three seasons, donning the number 12 jersey for Munster.

His quiet efficiency, the ability to perform in the pressure-laden arenas of European Cup and Celtic League competitions, have marked him out as one of the province's outstanding players during that tenure.

He is less voluble than some of his team-mates, most of his general contribution less eye-catching than that of others, but there can be no doubting his influence in directing Munster to the cusp of European success.

Dominant domestically for the past three seasons, Munster were denied European Cup success, first in the final by Northampton and the following year by an officiating error in a semi-final defeat by Stade Francais.

Last month's Celtic League final defeat by Leinster provided another smack in the face: the Munster players looked understandably forlorn as silverware departed on the opposing team bus once again.

"It was disappointing, naturally, but we didn't dwell on it for too long. We were aware that we'd made mistakes and that we didn't take the opportunities that presented themselves, but at the same time realised that there was no point in feeling sorry for ourselves. The players came together and talked over what happened and we moved on to focus on the games coming up."

The cathartic effect, mentally, of a victory over Harlequins today would almost be as beneficial as the more tangible reward of the points on offer. Holland spoke of the expectations of the squad.

"We know what we have to do in terms of qualifying. Harlequins are a lot better now, I think, than they were when we first played them. We are expecting a very tough game and don't think we'll be disappointed in that respect. We do have the experience of having played and won matches like this over the last few seasons and that's important."

Injuries have bedevilled Munster's recent preparations: David Wallace, Peter Stringer, John Hayes, Rob Henderson and John O'Neill have all been regular visitors to the physiotherapist's couch.

In a purely selfish way, Holland might have been a little grateful that Henderson's summer arrival was in pursuit of rehab and not game time.

Holland is adamant that he was "not disappointed by Henderson's arrival but definitely concerned". He adds: "In the professional era you have got to accept that teams need to be strengthened all the time and Munster are no exception."

The accepted premise outside the province was that when Henderson was restored to full health he would partner Mike Mullins in the centre. "Dutchie", as Holland is affectionately known to his team-mates, was not about to accommodate that prognosis.

"I wasn't that happy with my form towards the end of last season. I couldn't quite put my finger on why I wasn't playing as well as I wanted; it was small things, but it made me work harder."

He has been an integral part of Munster's unbeaten progress through the European Cup pool stages - he is the team's top try scorer with three - and when called upon in the Celtic League has proved an able deputy for Ronan O'Gara at outhalf.

When Henderson recovered from injury late last year, the Lion was accommodated on the wing and when Henderson did return to the centre he and Mike Mullins vied for a place in midfield alongside Holland.

He smiles when he considers the enjoyment he has gleaned since first setting foot on Irish soil on November 13th, 1998.

His decision to head for Ireland was at the behest of a former team-mate and friend, Damon Urlich, the then coach of Midleton and also what he considered to be an affront on a personal level.

"I sort of got the pip back home when I'd been in the backup squad for the Super 12 for my last couple of years there. In my last year with Taranaki I had a big year at NPC - we got to the semi-finals - and I felt I had a better year than some of the guys who got picked for the Hurricanes. So I had a bit of a sulk and got out of there," he concedes with a laugh.

Ostensibly an outhalf - he had played a little bit at centre back home during his school days - Holland was approached by Declan Kidney and invited to join the Munster set-up.

He is happy in Ireland and doesn't hanker after his birthplace, New Plymouth. He has turned down a number of offers from France and now appears content to see out his playing career in Munster.

He was rewarded further in representative terms with an Ireland A cap (he qualifies under the three-year residency rule) against New Zealand.

So what does he hope 2002 holds in store on a personal level? "I just want to keep improving as a player, be consistently good in my performances and after that if something happens so be it.

"I would love to win a trophy with Munster. We have been close now a number of times and hopefully we can take the next step," he adds.