A number of players facing uphill – some would say impossible – tasks in forcing their way into the Munster team on the biggest days played influential parts in last week’s impressive victory over Ulster in Belfast.

Ospreys 30 Munster 15

JOHN HAYES will play his finalmatch for Munster in Monday’s RaboDirect Pro12 game against Connacht at Thomond Park on St Stephen’s Day.

Sean O’Brien has vowed to continue flattening opponents at the World Cup, declaring: “If there’s no hole, I’ll make one.”

Munster A 13 Llanelli 15