Howlett Rarin To Go

As is now the norm when Paul O’Connell and Denis Leamy are absent, Doug Howlett will lead Munster when they take on Benetton Treviso on Sunday in Treviso (2pm local).

Howlett, who has always been one of the first names pencilled in on teamsheets since his arrival here three years ago, has just committed to Munster for next season and you get the impression the decision wasn't a very hard one.

“I'm very happy that it has been sorted out. My wife and I have been very happy here and are looking forward to continuing on for a while longer.” he said after training today in UL.

He leads what is a very new-look Munster side with names that may not be that familiar to outsiders but ones he has no end of faith in. “I think it's a very exciting line-up. There are a load of new boys there who have huge potential and now it's their chance to shine, to put their hands up.”

“I'm certainly looking forward to the game. It's been a while now since we played so it'll be good to get out there again and with the changes we have with the international boys away, it makes in that bit more exciting, a bit more challenging and that's a good thing.”

And Howlett is aware that youthful enthusiasm wont just be enough, “Treviso will be as tough a side as we've faced. They've a real good record at home, won I think five of their games there, so we won't get anything easy. But we're going there with a good squad, a good mix and I'd be confident we'll give a good account of ourselves.”

Munster: S Deasy; D Howlett, T Gleeson, L Mafi, S Zebo; P Warwick, D Williams; D Hurley, D Varley, S Archer; I Nagle, D Foley; B Holland, T O'Donnell, J Coughlan. Replacements: M Sherry, W du Preez, P Borlase, M O'Driscoll, D Ryan, C Sheridan, S Tuitupou, D Hurley.