Wilson out to prove a point at Ravenhill
In the first of two major derby matches, Wilson is hanging on to his place on the Ulster side, who face Michael Bradley’s Connacht, who are determined to put an end to a 45-year drought in Belfast.
The Munster squad had a day off yesterday in advance of the eagerly awaited clash with old rivals Leinster at Musgrave Park on Sunday afternoon (3.00pm). And for ‘rookie’ Tomás O’Leary, it is a huge opportunity.
The former Irish U21 player has been designated to replace the injured Peter Stringer and that, 12 days in advance of Munster’s opening Heineken Cup clash with Sale Sharks, puts him in the front-line to seal a place in the European side.
He will, of course, have opposition from Frank Murphy and Mike Prendergast, both of whom have had limited exposure this season as coach Declan Kidney rotated his team.
But, as far as this evening’s Belfast game is concerned, the big Ulster number eight, who made a deserved international debut during Ireland’s summer tour to Japan, has a lot to prove, having failed to spark despite playing in all of Ulster’s games.
Out-gunned last week by the up-and-coming Leinster star Jamie Heaslip when beaten in Dublin, Wilson is also under pressure locally from Dungannon’s Stephen Ferris.
But Wilson is looking forward to a change of fortunes. “I was disappointed by my own game last week,” said Wilson. “I had made a step up each game before but I took a small one back last week. It usually takes me three or four games to get to where I want to be during the season.”
After Ulster’s loss in Dublin, Wilson had this to say: “It has been a sign of the team so far that we have been able to bounce back when things have gone bad for us on the pitch, so we will be looking for a big response.”
But he is aware that Connacht, despite their lowly position in the table, pose a threat. “You can’t really look at a team’s league position. You have to treat each team as professionally as the last side, particularly when it is an Irish derby. Last week we were a bit loose and Connacht will thrive on that, if there is a repeat.”
Meanwhile, the second round of the ODM Munster Senior Challenge Cup takes place this weekend, with giant-killers Cashel looking for another scalp.
However, the Tipperary side, shock winners over Sundays Well in the first round, who travel to play Waterpark at Ballinakill, will have to be satisfied with success within the province. As they are a junior club, victory precludes them from participation in the All Ireland Cup, to be competed for later this season.
Four of the five provincial second round games take place tomorrow; the only exception being the UL Bohemian versus Cork Constitution tie which will double as an AIB League /Munster Cup fixture on October 15.
Places in the All Ireland Cup beckon for at least four of the five winners in this round, but two of them will have to fight it out before one joins the last four in Munster.
Tomorrow, defending champions Shannon travel to Towns Park to play Midleton, who had a resounding 31-7 win over Highfield.
Waterpark, along with Clonakilty and Garryowen, are coming into the competition at this stage, having being given a bye in the first round.
Clonakilty will host Dolphin at Shannon Vale, after Dolphin defeated Bruff 28-15 in the first round. Young Munster defeated Nenagh Ormond 29-8 in the first round and will host Garryowen in Clifford Park. All games kick off at 2.30pm.
Elsewhere, in search of another U18 victory, Munster take on Leinster at Barnhall RFC tomorrow (1pm).
Meanwhile, a Munster Schools U18 side has been chosen to travel to England this weekend to play two games. The first, this evening, is against Somerset, and they follow that up with a fixture against highly-rated Gloucester on Sunday.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
