On a night when injuries and handling errors threatened to overshadow a promising display, Munster appear to have found another youngster with the potential to make a long-term impact.

IAN McGeechan believes the English RFU should take its time in appointing Martin Johnson’s successor as England manager.

AT last, Munster secured a victory at the third time of asking in this pre-season programme — a timely boost in advance of Saturday’s RaboDirect Pro12 league opener at Musgrave Park against Newport Gwent Dragons.

TOULON boss Philippe Saint-André was left to rue his side’s inability to capitalise on a numerical advantage in Saturday’s 29-25 Heineken Cup quarter-final loss to Perpignan.

YET again, Ballynahinch showed scant regard for reputation as they powered to a fully deserved AIB Cup final triumph at Dubarry Park yesterday.

IRELAND’S George Clancy will make his Six Nations refereeing debut this season when he takes charge of the France-Scotland clash at the Stade de France on February 14.

HEINEKEN Cup winner Anthony Horgan and hooker Denis Fogarty struck for two tries apiece in the Munster reserve side’s resounding win over their Leinster equivalents at Donnybrook yesterday.

CORK Constitution will forever be grateful to an Irish immigration official who gave their outhalf Jeremy Manning a stay of execution at Dublin Airport on Saturday morning.

GLOUCESTER boss Dean Ryan accepts his team will head into “a confrontational environment” when they tackle Heineken Cup hosts Bourgoin tonight.

GARRYOWEN ended a 13 year drought without a national title with this AIB All-Ireland Cup final victory on Saturday.

WASPS forward James Haskell will make his England debut in Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations clash against Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

JAMES HASKELL has received a ringing endorsement from one of England’s leading coaches as he prepares to make his Test match debut.

Cardiff 27 Glasgow 9

Llanelli Scarlets 21 Wasps 13

Leinster 9 Ulster 8

ENGLAND coach Andy Robinson last night formally ruled World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson out of his autumn Test plans.