Munster pair face fitness tests ahead of Leinster cruncher

MUNSTER second row Mick O’Driscoll and utility back Ian Dowling face fitness tests today before coach Declan Kidney selects his squad for the Celtic League game against Leinster at Musgrave Park on Sunday.

Both players were injured in the game with Connacht last week but are expected to be available for selection.

The game is expected to attract one of the biggest crowds to an Irish derby, and with the Heineken Cup around the corner, both sides look certain to field their strongest line-ups.

Leinster’s Keith Gleeson looks certain to make his 50th appearance.

Back in action after injury and flying after a five-star performance against Ulster last week, Gleeson is ready for the fray.

Malcolm O’Kelly is poised for a comeback prior to the Heineken Cup, probably in a fortnight’s time.

With Guy Easterby ruled out for at least the opening two fixtures of the Heineken Cup, Brian O’Meara is expected to be named against his old province. Brian O’Riordan should be the replacement scrum half in a squad named today.

Bryn Cunningham starts for Ulster in Friday’s Celtic League derby clash against Connacht at Ravenhill.

Cunningham resumes at full-back following a four-week injury absence and is the only change from the side outgunned by Leinster last weekend.

Paddy Wallace is relegated to the bench at the expense of Adam Larkin while Kiwi signing Isaac Boss is amongst the replacements. Boss played for the Ulster A side against Leinster last Friday within 36 hours of his arrival from New Zealand, impressing coach Mark McCall.

Said McCall: “He had a fine game for the A side and in training since then he has picked up everything very, very quickly.”

McCall said Ulster were determined to make up for the defeat last week against Leinster and to get back to winning ways.

“We felt we were below-par against Leinster. Our first up defence was not what it should have been, and with Leinster having so many good players, they took advantage of that fact.”

ULSTER: B Cunningham, T Bowe, K Maggs, A Trimble, J Topping, D Humphreys, K Campbell, J Fitzpatrick, R Best, S Best, capt, J Harrison, M McCullough, N Best, N McMillan, R Wilson.

Replacements: P Shields, B Young, R Frost, C Feather, I Boss, P Wallace, T Howe.