Build-Up Continues For Cardiff

Munster trained in UL today as they completed an overnight camp ahead of Saturday night’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash against Cardiff Blues in Thomond Park at 7:15pm.

Preparations continued with Munster A also in action this weekend, against Connacht Eagles in the Sportgrounds at 2:30pm on Friday.

The last time Munster were in action was against Edinburgh in the Heineken Cup and it will be the league leaders first home PRO12 game of 2014.

Head Coach Rob Penney was full of praise for the Thomond Park crowd and is hopeful the Munster supporters will be out in force.

“They’re terrific for us,” said Penney.

“Hopefully there will be a lot of people there to embrace this mixture of experience and youth. We will have a real crack and see if we can get points against Cardiff and get this little four-week block on the road for us nicely,” he added.

Munster winger Simon Zebo recently returned to full fitness and New Zealander Penney is looking forward to seeing more from the Cork man after two substitute appearances in January.

“He’s a terrific footballer, he had that niggly injury but that’s all healed up now and he’s maintained his physical state really well. Now it’s about him performing and showing the world what he’s capable of.”

South African CJ Stander, who recently signed a two-year contract extension, is looking forward to Saturday night’s clash against ninth-placed Cardiff Blues.

Stander said: “They’re a really tough side, it’s going to be a good game. All the internationals are away so it’s going to be a nice, open game. The crowd at Thomond Park always lift me up so hopefully they can lift the whole team.”

Cardiff Blues’ Robin Copeland, who will join Munster in the summer, was included in Ireland’s Six Nations squad but flanker Barry O’Mahony is hopeful Copeland features for his club at the weekend.

O’Mahony has been in fine form for Munster A and the flanker is excited by the prospect of facing the Wexford man.

“It will be interesting, I played Sevens with Robin a couple of summers back. We toured around Ireland playing in different tournaments so I know him well.

“He’s a great player and there will be no love lost anyway if he comes over this weekend!”

It’s good news on the injury front for Munster as Sean Dougall (ankle), Cathal Sheridan (knee) and Luke O’Dea (hand) returned to training this week. O’Dea was available to play for Shannon at the weekend but the game was postponed.

It’s also positive news for Donnacha Ryan and Ivan Dineen. Ryan is continuing his recovery from a knee injury with limited training this week while Dineen has started rehab running after injuring his ankle for Munster A against Nottingham.

Paddy Butler’s fitness is improving after he hurt his neck playing for Shannon against Blackrock in the AIL but he won’t be involved in training this week.

Damien Varley didn't train today after sustaining delayed concussion from the game against Edinburgh. Varley will complete the IRB return-to-play protocols before he's back in action.

Academy player Johnny Holland returned to training after injuring his ribs playing for Munster A against Stirling.

Munster face Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park on Saturday at 7:15pm and tickets can be purchased online here.