Gaffney bids to get balance right

MUNSTER go into their third successive day of intensive preparation for Saturday’s crucial Heineken Cup tie against Castres Olympique at Thomond Park with coach Alan Gaffney still none the wiser about the composition of his team.

But there will be changes in the three-quarter line and in the pack following the 19-12 defeat in Stade Pierre Antoine last Friday night and Gaffney announced a squad of 27 after yesterday’s session at the University of Limerick. Included are Paul Devlin and James Storey, who could get the call on the right wing and outside centre.

Denis Leamy is fully recovered from his damaged ear and looks a good bet to return at number seven in place of David Wallace. With two other flankers, Jim Williams and Alan Quinlan, also in the squad, one of this highly talented group won’t even get to sit on the bench.