Squad Update

7 Munster representatives played their part in Ireland’s 29-15 victory over South Africa, while a number of players, including the returning Dave O’Callaghan, also lined for their respective clubs in AIL action over the weekend.

Irish captain Paul O’Connell, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray and Simon Zebo all started for Ireland in Saturday’s Guinness Series opener, while Tommy O’Donnell, Dave Kilcoyne and Felix Jones all provided impact from the bench.

O’Donnell was a late inclusion in the matchday squad following the withdrawal of Ulster’s Chris Henry due to illness and the Tipperary native joined O’Connell, O’Mahony, Kilcoyne and the rest of the Irish pack in winning the battle upfront against the much fancied Springboks.

Conor Murray marshalled the said pack well all match and his beautifully executed box kick set up Tommy Bowe for Ireland’s second try, putting the game beyond the visitors.

Targeted by the Boks with the high ball in the opening 40, Zebo dealt comfortably with everything that was thrown his way, while Felix Jones, within a seconds of his introduction, stayed on his feet to win back possession on the ground as South Africa we’re on the attack deep in the Irish half.

Meanwhile, a number of Munster senior and Academy players took part in AIL club action over the weekend.

In AIL Division 1A, Dave O’Callaghan made a return to action for the first time since undergoing surgery on his right knee in February. The back row featured from the bench for Dolphin in a Leeside derby against Cork Constitution which finished all square (6-6) at Irish Independent Park.

Dolphin were captained on Friday night by hooker Niall Scannell, while Academy back row Ryan Murphy started in the back row.

For Con, Ivan Dineen and Academy players Rory Burke, Max Abbott and Darren Sweetnam all featured in the starting line-up. Burke picked up an ankle injury during the game and will be monitored by Munster medical staff across the week.

Academy out-half Gearoid Lyons was on hand to convert three tries and add a penalty in Young Munster’s 29-20 win over Ballynahinch, a win which also featured Munster props Alan Cotter and Martin Kelly.

In Division 1B, Academy winger Alex Wootton played his part in Garryowen’s 6-11 win over local rivals UL Bohemian, while the Academy’s Sean McCarthy, Jack Cullen and Stephen Fitzgerald joined senior winger Luke O’Dea in the Shannon line-up as the Limerick side went down 13-7 away to Dublin University.

With a total of ten international representatives currently in Irish camp at Carton House, and following a training week dedicated to strength and conditioning, the squad are currently on a down week before regrouping next Monday to prepare for Round 8 of the Guinness PRO12 – away to Newport Gwent Dragons on Friday November 21^st – KO: 7:30pm.