MUNSTER face a top of the table clash this Saturday night in Cork, as first placed Glasgow come to Cork.
Anthony Foley’s men drew with the Scarlets last weekend having been 12 points down in the dying stages of the game. Those points earned at Parc y Scarlets could prove vital at season’s end, as Munster chase that all important top four slot in the Guinness Pro 12.
The game itself, against Gregor Townsend’s impressive Warriors kicks off at 7.15pm and is live on Sky Sports. The light blues from Glasgow are currently four clear of second placed Ulster, who themselves are level on 48 points with Munster, who lie in third.
In team news, there were no issues to report from CJ Stander (ankle) and Dave Kilcoyne (knee) who both successfully came through the full 80 minutes against Scarlets, while Tommy O’Donnell returned to Ireland camp this week ahead of Sunday’s clash with England.
Fellow Six Nations extended squad member Keith Earls is expected to play for Munster this weekend should Joe Schmidt decide against changing his match day squad from the French victory.
Anthony Foley will name his side to face Glasgow Warriors in Round 16 of the Guinness PRO12 this Friday at 12noon.
On the local scene, Division 1A will see a basement battle this weekend as Young Munster entertain Dolphin at Greenfields on Saturday at 2.30pm. Both sides are in relegation trouble as they occupy the bottom two slots in the Division. A win is a must this weekend for John Staunton’s men, following St Mary’s win last weekend, meaning the Dublin side leap frogging the ‘Cookies’.
In Division 1B, a Limerick derby will take place on Friday night as Garryowen take on UL Bohemians at Dooradoyle. This game sees the light blues as massive favourites, seeing as Paul Neville’s men are charging towards the top of the table, having already beaten UL Bohemians twice this season already. Colm Tucker’s charges were boosted by a 16-6 win over Malone last weekend, but this Friday night might be a gulf too far for them.
In the same Division Shannon now find themselves in the relegation mix too, following UL Bohemians’ aforementioned win. Ian Sherwin’s men face Dublin University this weekend who are one of the form teams in the league. A win at home is vital here as Shannon face UL Bohemians next weekend.
In 2A, eighth placed Thomond travel to seventh placed NUIM Barnhall, while in Division 2A, Richmond and Bruff are on the road up North as they face Ards and Armagh respectively. The final local side in action are Old Crescent, who travel to Kanturk on Saturday.
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