Munster’s Kelly fighting fit for spot to face Dragons
Kelly has been named in a 26-man squad to prepare for Saturday’sMagners League clash with Newport Gwent Dragons at Musgrave Park (7.30).
It remains to be seen whether he will make the cut for the squad on the night, but at least he proved his fitness and some form when scoring a try in helping Cork Constitution to a 12-12 draw in the AIB League last weekend.
Kelly, injured against Viadana in mid September, faces stern competition to break back into a reduced squad of 22, to be named tomorrow, ahead of either Ian Dowling or Brian Carney on the wings, Rua Tipoki, Lifeimi Mafi and Kieran Lewis in the centre.
Munster coach Declan Kidney might look at it from another point of view, and perhaps will want to see how Kelly copes withanother step-up in standard (from a club game) against the Dragons.
Right now, Kelly may not be the number one choice in any position, but Kidney will be well aware of the contribution he could make, should injury strike anyonefurther down the line.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed yesterday that Jake Paringati will be out for up to four weeks after he sustained a cheek injury in the Heineken Cup clash with Clermont Auvergne.
He is expected to miss the forthcoming Magners League games against Dragons and Leinster, and the back to back Heineken Cup fixtures against Llanelli.
That will offer opportunity foreither Niall Ronan or JamesCoughlan to mount a serious challenge.
Ronan is named in this weekend’s 26, while Coughlan leads Munster A in their match with Leinster A in Limerick this afternoon.
Backs: D. Hurley, S. Payne,J. Kelly, B. Carney, I. Dowling, K. Lewis, L. Mafi, R. Tipoki, R. O’Gara, P. Warwick, P. Stringer,J. Hurley.
Forwards: M. Horan, F. Pucciariello, T. Buckley,J. Hayes, F. Sheahan, J. Flannery, M. O’Driscoll, D. O’Callaghan, D. Ryan, A. Quinlan, D. Leamy,A. Foley, D. Wallace, N. Ronan.
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