Munster Team to Face Viadana in Italy

Munster have made just one change on the side for Saturday’s return against Viadana, with international John Kelly returning to the side in place of Mossie Lawlor.

Munster have made just one change on the side for Saturday s return against Viadana, with international John Kelly returning to the side in place of Mossie Lawlor.

Munster coach Alan Gaffney admitted the decision to omit Lawlor was a very difficult one, but in the circumstances with a player like John Kelly available I think we had to go with him. Gaffney was full of praise for Lawlor who slips to the bench at the expense of Colm McMahon, Mossie has done tremendously well since coming into the side. He s our leading try scorer, scored six tries in seven Celtic League and as a player is so versatile. But we have a responsibility beyond the Munster set-up in that we must also think of the national side and John needs to get back playing.

Gaffney said that there was no chance of complacency in the side following the big win over the same opposition and he felt that the result of Neath/Calvisano game was helpful in that respect. it did make us up but I can also say that the turnaround in the Toulouse/Ebbw Vale game of a few years back was also discussed among the squad. That was a 100 point turnaround but I think we have a handle on what is required. Basically the target is to improve on last Friday s game and take it from there. The only other changes are on the bench are James Blaney returns from illness to replace John Fogarty. A decision has yet to be made on whether Eddie Halvey or Denis Leamy will wear the number 20 jersey.

Munster Team to Face Viadana:

J Staunton: J Kelly, M Mullins, J Holland, A Horgan: R O Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, F Sheahan, J Hayes; P O Connell, D O Callghan; J Williams (capt), A Quinlan, A Foley.

Replacements: J Blaney, S Kerr, M O Driscoll, E Halvey/D Leamy, M Prendergast, K Keane, M Lawlor.