Cullen still has big role: Kidney

Barry Coughlan

Cullen, facing a further lay-off until February because of a shoulder injury, was yesterday described by Kidney as a model professional who had given 100% to Munster, despite his injury woes.

"The feeling amongst the squad is that they want to see Christian back playing for Munster before the end of the season. He is a model professional, particularly in the wearying months of his recent rehabilitation. The news that he might be out for longer is frustrating for everyone but particularly for him," said Kidney.

The demands of a long season can play havoc with the mind as well as the body, but they appear to have had little effect on Ireland and Munster captain Anthony Foley.

In fact, Foley can't wait to get back on the road when Munster play Northampton in a friendly at Thomond Park tomorrow evening (6.30pm).

He believes in the necessity for a meaningful pre-season training programme but prefers to leave his enthusiasm for it at that. "I wouldn't be a big fan of pre-season stuff. I much prefer the playing part of the job, so the season can't start quickly enough for me."

Foley, of course, has had more rest than most of his international colleagues from Munster. He wasn't selected for the Lions tour and was also left at home when a young and experimental Irish team played two matches in Japan. And it gave him an opportunity to get more rest than expected.

"I had a good break this year and now I'm really looking forward to the new season," he said.

But he is clearly being held back for the tougher action later. While Munster's build up to the competitive season games against Northampton and Leicester are a source of excitement to Foley, he is named as one of eight reserves in an experimental squad captained by Stephen Keogh.

"These are really good fixtures and we're fortunate to be able to get quality games like that. You can do all the training you want but you don't know where you stand until the games start. There is nothing at stake in these friendly games, but they will be very competitive."

Although Munster will be without several of the high profile players, Foley is excited that a number of youngsters will get an opportunity to show what they are capable of.

"It's a chance for them and a chance to assess where they are in terms of development and capability."

Looking forward to the Celtic League, Foley is hopeful that these matches against the Saints and the Tigers will help Munster settle into the new routine quickly. Recognising that a bad start to last year's campaign probably cost them the title, Foley is aware that there can be no repeat of that poor early-season form.

"We only managed one draw from our opening three games and paid a heavy price for that. We're looking to rectify that because it doesn't help when you're playing catch-up rugby. That's the situation we found ourselves in, despite the fact that we recovered and played pretty well afterwards."

Kidney has named Ben Martin, Tony Buckley and John O'Sullivan in the side. All three will be making their debuts, while Keogh gets his first run as captain.

Kidney's rationale is that he must find out whether young players will be capable of filling in and pressing for places on a regular basis during the early part of the season and on through to the Celtic League.

Keogh was a regular for Munster last season and has experience of captaincy through his leadership of the Irish U-21's in the past.

Other newcomers featuring in the Munster squad are Ian Dowling, Rory McGrath and Frank Cogan.

Martin's appearance at full back is an interesting choice. The Australian played for UL/Bohemian last season but most of his rugby was in the pivotal out-half position. Clearly, Kidney is worried that Cullen's continued unavailability could pose major problems for Munster when they advance to the competitive stage of the season just a few weeks away.