Munster A’s mark O’Connell return with facile win

IRELAND lock Paul O’Connell featured for an hour as a better-drilled Munster A side cruised to an easy 38-5 victory over their Ulster counterparts at Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast, yesterday.

O’Connell was playing his first game since the start of January and appeared to come through unscathed as he continues his rehabilitation from a back injury.

The big lock, who impressed, retired to the physiotherapy room for pre-planned treatment immediately on the final whistle.

But before he left the field he had left his mark on an outplayed Ulster side who leaked six tries and were completely outgunned up front.

O’Connell enjoyed a roving roll at the line-out where he destroyed Ulster’s line-outs and he did not shirk any physicality in the loose as he led from the front. Ulster leaked six tries after trailing 21-0 at the break with Jeremy Manning converting tries by Conan Doyle, Jake Paringatai and Tomas O’Leary. Paul McKenzie scored a loan try for Ulster before further tries by Darragh Hurley, Tommy O’Donnell and Doyle’s second wrapped an easy win.

Munster coach Declan Kidney appeared happy with O’Connell’s contribution and was in a positive mood with the state of his fitness.

However, it is still too early to say whether O’Connell will be ready for Ireland’s Six Nations clash against Scotland in a fortnight. O’Connell last played a full game in the defeat by Argentina during the World Cup. His last comeback bid failed when he had a reaction in training following a run-out with his club Young Munster in the All-Ireland League.

Ulster 5 (Try: McKenzie)

Munster 38 (Tries: Doyle 2, Paringatai, Hurley, O’Leary, O’Donnell; Cons: Manning 3, Doyle)