Earls And Scannell Expected To Return To Training With Munster

Niall Scannell (thumb) and Keith Earls (hamstring) are both expected to return to training this week and James Cronin (calf) is expected to be back in limited training. Earls has been out of action since injuring his hamstring while training with the Ireland squad last month.

Hooker Scannell had surgery on a thumb injury suffered away to Castres Olympique in October, while fellow front rower Cronin sustained his calf injury while representing the Barbarians against Tonga at Thomond Park last month.

Back rower Tommy O’Donnell played the full 80 minutes for Munster ‘A’ against Bedford Blues in Cork last Friday night after successfully rehabbing an AC joint injury sustained in early November.

Andrew Conway and Rhys Marshall both sustained concussions during the Champions Cup round 3 win at home to Leicester and the duo are following the return-to-play protocols. Academy prop Liam O’Connor requires further consultation with a specialist for the knee injury he sustained in the recent PRO14 game against the Ospreys.

Tyler Bleyendaal (neck), Gerbrandt Grobler (ankle), Conor Oliver (shoulder), Dan Goggin (knee), Dave O’Callaghan (knee), Jaco Taute (knee) and Chris Farrell (knee) are also continuing to rehab their respective injuries.

Meanwhile, Munster captain Peter O’Mahony, who was a try scorer in the 33-10 triumph over Tigers, is mindful of last December’s 18-16 defeat at Welford Road as the province attempt to complete the double over Matt O’Connor’s side this weekend.

“You look back at last year, we were beaten up physically over there. That is something we need to address and it is very difficult, because Leicester are a proud side, Welford Road is an incredibly difficult place to play,” said the Corkman.

“You are going back-to-back against a team who are coming off a loss. It’s a difficult thing to do, because you are up against an animal backed into a corner. You have to try and win the physical battle. It is not a big secret, that. I am not giving away our game-plan. If you do not physically dominate, especially a side like Leicester, you are going to struggle.

“(The first half last Saturday) is probably up there (as our best so far this season). This is the time of the year when you need to be putting your best performances together, which is positive, but we really do have plenty to work on. We conceded a maul try. Our discipline, which we talked about during the week, was poor, certainly towards the end of the second half.”