Manning gets his chance

JEREMY Manning, Munster’s highly promising New Zealander, is handed an opportunity of establishing himself as a regular in the side with his selection at full-back for tonight’s (7.10pm) eagerly awaited Celtic League clash with Ulster at Musgrave Park.

Manning, a student at UCC, has looked the part when playing either at full-back or out-half and is highly rated by coach Declan Kidney. He takes over from Shaun Payne, who is laid low by a heavy cold.

John Kelly is another enforced absentee from the team having taken a knock in the face during training, and he is replaced on the right wing by South African Anthon Pitout, another who has shown up well since joining the squad a couple of months ago.