Dowling’s return boosts Munster ahead of vital clash

IAN DOWLING, out of action since late December, returns for Munster’s crucial Magners League clash with Edinburgh at Murrayfield tonight (7.30) in a make-or-break game for both sides.

However, don’t be surprised if the television cameras occasionally point to the Munster bench as they anticipate a Paul O’Connell warm-up. The international selectors will obviously be of like mind and will be hoping coach Declan Kidney springs him from the bench at some stage.

Dowling’s return could hardly have been better timed as he challenges for a place in the Munster side for the quarter-final of the Heineken Cup against Gloucester.