Happy-hooker Blaney emerges from Sheahan’s shadow

THE last four years have been the happiest of James Blaney’s professional rugby career — even though his centre stage appearances are rare. He has had to live and work in the shadow of Frankie Sheahan as second choice Munster hooker, but now he finally gets his day in the sun when he makes his first home start in the Heineken Cup.

Sheahan is ruled out with the same knee injury that kept him on the sidelines in Treviso last week and for Blaney it is an opportunity he is philosophical about.

“Frankie is number one and deservedly so. He has been a key member of the team and I have to recognise that.”