Good ‘A’ Contest in Prospect at Temple Hill

Supporters starved of Munster action during this RBS Six Nations period would be well advised to go to Temple Hill tomorrow for the A game between Munster and Ulster (2pm).

The Munster side combines the experience of internationals  Brian Carney, Anthony Horgan and  Tomas O’Leary with the burgeoning talent of, among others, Denis Hurley, Tom Gleeson, Mark Melbourne, Denis Fogarty, Billy Holland and man of the match against Clontarf last weekend, Jeremy Manning.

There is also a welcome return to action for John O’Sullivan, back for the first time since injuring himself in the seasonal opener against the US Eagles in August.

Munster coach Declan Kidney leaves a vacancy at open side prop with Darragh Hurley required to travel toScotland where he will win his first Ireland A cap.

Meanwhile Ulster A manager Gary Longwell is looking forward to a game that offers opportunities to fringe players. “This is a strong Ulster A side, Matt Williams was keen to have meaningful A fixtures and this game provides the chance for everyone involved to stake their claim in being part of the resurgent Ulster”

The Ulster side is made up of a mixture of senior players and Ulster Academy players and will be captained by former Ireland U21 skipper Matt McCullough

Munster A: Denis Hurley; Brian Carney, Tom Gleeson, Conan Doyle, Anthony Horgan; Jeremy Manning, Tomas O’Leary; AN Other, Denis Fogarty, Tim Ryan; Billy Holland, Mark Melbourne; Jake Paringatai, John O’Sullivan, James Coughlan capt. Replacements: Kevin Griffen, Sean Cronin, Dave Sherry, Tommy O’Donnell, Gerry Hurley, Evan Ryan, Ian Hanley.
Ulster A: M Bartholomeusz; M Kettyle, D Cave, S Mallon, P McKenzie; K Hallett, P Marshall;  J Carey, S Philpott, T Court; M McCullough capt, F Paulo; T Anderson, W Faloon, C Henry. Replacements:  M Miles, J Fitzpatrick, S McDonald, G Webb, K Campbell, D Black, I Whitten.