TALKS are at an advanced stage with Cork City Council to erect a pair of statues in the city centre honouring Munster rugby.

Ronan O’Gara is unable to predict how Ireland will perform at the World Cup, admitting “anything can happen”.

Daragh O Conchúir: “With the World Cup in mind, it’s not going very well for Ireland at the moment is it?”

FROM Temple Hill to the Aviva Stadium. It could be the name for an updated version of Ronan O’Gara’s autobiography but it is actually the dramatic arc which encompasses Brian O’Driscoll’s Leinster career from his debut through to tonight’s get together in Dublin 4.

CAST an eye over the Irish rugby scene and consider those you believe to have the most competitive streak.

MUNSTER emerged from the post-Heineken Cup depression to qualify for the Magners League play-offs and a mouthwatering clash with Leinster.

SOME players are earmarked as future Ireland internationals from a young age. Paul O’Connell, Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara and Luke Fitzgerald were always going to pull on a green jersey.

CAPTAIN Paul O’Connell bemoaned Munster’s 15 minutes of uncharacteristic slackness after the break at Stade Marcel Michelin.

Scarlets 16 Munster 18

WHAT A tumultuous 12 months for Irish rugby: the provinces excelling and the national team winning just seven matches from 14.

RONAN O’GARA claims Munster are aiming to play ‘Test match level rugby’ when they open their Heineken Cup campaign away to champions Wasps on Saturday evening (Ricoh Stadium, 5.30pm, Sky Sports).

Ireland skipper Brian O’Driscoll knows Paddy Wallace’s “complete” performance in yesterday’s 61-17 victory over the Pacific Islanders will have impressed head coach Eddie O’Sullivan.

Munster 42 Ulster 10

Even at the age of 30, the seasoned David Humphreys knows he will be on trial when he collects his 37th cap against Wales in the opening Lloyds TSB Six Nations match at Lansdowne Road.