Quinlan back for Munster
Quinlan suffered a dislocated shoulder and torn ligaments when scoring Ireland’s try in the World Cup win over Argentina in Adelaide last October. But after intensive rehabilitation the Shannon back row has been passed fit.
“I am delighted to be back. I played for Shannon in a friendly against UL Bohs last week and I found it a bit difficult but that was due to match fitness. Medically the shoulder is okay. The aim is to get strength and movement back,” he said.
The 29-year-old is targetting a return to Ireland’s tour of South Africa in the off-season.
“This game will be a stepping stone and I will probably not play much more than half a game. But assuming Shannon get to the AIL final I hope to be available.
“I have to get match fitness and prove to Eddie O’Sullivan that I could do a job on the Tour. The next couple of games will be absolutely crucial.”
Quinlan has made over 40 Heineken Cup appearances with Munster, including the 2002/3 Heineken Cup final defeat to Leicester Tigers at the Millennium Stadium.
Meanwhile, the rigours of the Heineken Cup clash with Wasps has impacted on the Munster selection for tomorrow’s game. Coach Alan Gaffney has had to make nine changes from the side that started last Sunday.
Injury has ruled out John Kelly (cut under eye), Ronan O’Gara (hamstring), Peter Stringer (shoulder), Marcus Horan (shoulder), Frank Sheahan (calf), John Hayes (back), Paul O’Connell (calf), Jim Williams (knee) and Anthony Foley (calf).
However, Mike Prendergast returns from injury and takes his place on the bench.
Flanker Dan Baugh will play his 99th game for Cardiff in the Arms Park encounter.
The Canadian international is named in a Blues’ team showing two changes from that which lost to the Dragons a fortnight ago.
Andrew Lewis returns at hooker and Heino Senekal packs down in the second row. Craig Quinnell is unavailable as he has a one-match suspension for receiving three yellow cards in this season’s Celtic League matches.
Rob Appleyard is to undergo knee surgery and will not play again this season. Neither will lock Andy Moore because of a neck injury.
Donavan van Vuuren (flu), Jonny Vaughton (hamstring), Nick Walne (back), Andrew Moore (hamstring) and Darren Crompton (neck) were all unavailable.
MUNSTER: C Cullen; M McPhail, M Mullins, R Henderson, S Payne; J Holland, E Reddan; F Roche, J Flannery, G McIlwham, D O’Callaghan, D Pusey, S Keogh, A Quinlan, P Malone.
Replacements: R Callaghan, M Cahill, T Hogan, E Halvey, M Prendergast, B Murphy, J Staunton.
CARDIFF BLUES: R Williams; T Shanklin, J Robinson, I Harris, C Morgan; N Robinson, R Powell; J Yapp, A Lewis, B Evans, H Senekal, J Brownrigg, D Baugh, N Thomas, M Williams.
Replacements: K Fourie, R Thomas, J Goode, R Sowden-Taylor, D Dewdney, N MacLeod, M Allen.
Referee: I Ramage (Scotland)
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