MUNSTER face Wasps this Friday night at Musgrave Park, kick off 7pm, in the second of their three pre season friendlies. Munster lost to French division two side La Rochelle last weekend on a scoreline of 19-14. Munster coach Tony Mc Gahan used the trip as a chance to use all the squad at his disposal. The only players who travelled and did not see game time were Doug Howlett, BJ Botha and Duncan Williams.
Howlett and Botha are both expected to play this weekend, however, Williams’ injury might take more time to heal. Williams is recovering from a slight groin strain but is expected to be involved in the game against London Irish on August 26, again at 7pm, this time in Thomond Park.
The defeat to La Rochelle will be taken in it’s own merits by the Munster backroom team. Munster made a string of changes during the game and as a group, Munster would be weeks behind La Rochelle, who start their French campaign this week.
The most encouraging thing for Munster Rugby fans was that some new faces to the senior side were given some gametime.
UL Bohemian’s JJ Hanrahan made his first appearance for the senior side, while the forgotten man of the Munster squad, Peter Borlase also got some action.
With the Irish internationals being unavailable due to being away at the World Cup, Munster will have to rely heavily on their squad depth this season. Although some, “international” players will not make the World Cup travelling party, Munster will still need to rely heavily on youth at the start of the season.
In other news, former Munster prop Tim Ryan and former Ireland prop, Bryan Young are expected to move to Italian side Cavalieri Prato in the coming days. Another former Munster prop expected to be on his way to Italy is Dave Ryan who will join up with Lazio in Rome. Those props appear to be the most concrete deals this week, but more former Munster contracted players are expected to move abroad in the coming weeks. With Eoin Reddan, Tom Hayes and Jeremy Staunton as a few examples of how things can go well for Irish players abroad, fans can expect to see some familiar faces returning to Thomond Park some day to play against Munster.
Munster versus La Rochelle:
J Murphy; D Hurley, D Barnes (S Scanlon ht), S Deasy (JJ Hanrahan 52nd min), S Zebo; D Cusack (I Keatley ht), G Hurley (P Stringer ht); W du Preez (M Horan ht), D Varley (D Fogarty ht), S Archer (P Borlase ht); B Holland (M O’Driscoll 65th min) M O’Driscoll (I Nagle ht); D O’Callaghan (P O’Mahony ht), T O’Donnell (N Ronan ht), J Coughlan capt (P Butler ht).
