Why Mafi’s become indispensible for Munster

BOTH Tony McGahan and Michael Cheika can enjoy a brief period of positive reflection as the Heineken Cup takes a short hiatus until December. The events of last weekend in particular not only bode well for the two provinces but Irish rugby as a whole.

Today Declan Kidney announces his first Irish squad for the autumn internationals. I am sure the form of Leinster and Munster in particular will have created a very positive atmosphere at the national management’s selection meeting.

Martin Johnson, preparing for his first assignment as England’s commander-in-chief, will not have drawn much comfort from the manner in which Wasps, Sale and Gloucester were sent packing in such a convincing manner by Irish and Welsh opposition. If anything Ireland have more fresh young talent emerging than our English counterparts. More on this issue once the squad is announced.