Strong Squad At Munster’s Disposal
Munster head coach Tony McGahan will pick from his strongest available squad when selecting the province’s starting line-up and replacements for the Magners League grand final against Leinster.
From the players that have featured in recent weeks, prop Tony Buckley is the most notable absentee. He has been ruled out with a shoulder injury that was operated on earlier in the week.
Back rower David Wallace is included in the squad once again and is set to win his 200th senior cap for Munster in Saturday’s league decider.
All 23 players who were on duty for the semi-final victory over the Ospreys are pushing for selection, along with Johne Murphy, Tomas O’Leary and Mick O’Driscoll.
Looking forward to the grand final, Munster captain Paul O’Connell said: “I think when it comes to Munster and Leinster, they have helped each other over the years with the rivalry and pushing each other each on.
“And no doubt it’s helped Irish rugby also. It’s going to be a very tough challenge for us with the form they’re in.
“We’re going to need to take every opportunity we get, we’re playing at home and against probably our biggest rivals.
“They are the Heineken Cup champions and there’s silverware up for grabs, so both sides will be up for it mentally. We’ll need to take any scoring opportunities we get.”
MUNSTER Squad (v Leinster) – Backs (12): Paul Warwick, Simon Zebo, Felix Jones, Danny Barnes, Keith Earls, Doug Howlett, Lifeimi Mafi, Johne Murphy, Conor Murray, Tomas O’Leary, Peter Stringer, Ronan O’Gara.
Forwards (14): Stephen Archer, Wian du Preez, John Hayes, Marcus Horan, Mike Sherry, Damien Varley, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell, Mick O’Driscoll, Denis Leamy, Niall Ronan, Donnacha Ryan, James Coughlan, David Wallace.