Foley fully focused for frenetic French foray

ANTHONY FOLEY is a veteran of 71 Heineken European Cup matches with Munster, he has scored a record 21 tries and enjoyed some of his happiest moments, as well as some of the most difficult, away to top French sides.

So he is under no illusions about the task that lies in wait against Castres Olympique at Stade Pierre Antoine on Friday night.

The captain was back in full harness at wet and windy Temple Hill in Cork yesterday, having missed last week’s visit to Edinburgh for family reasons. You suspect the break from almost ceaseless action throughout December will have done him a power of good and that this is the kind of game that ranks highest with one of rugby’s most honest and committed exponents.