O’Sullivan returns for Munster

MUNSTER coach Declan Kidney gets a chance to utilise some of his lesser known squad members when the A team take on Ulster A in Temple Hill today, seeking a second victory over their Northern rivals (2pm).

The Munster side combines the experience of internationals Brian Carney, Anthony Horgan and Tomas O’Leary with the burgeoning talent of, among others, Denis Hurley, Tom Gleeson, Mark Melbourne, Denis Fogarty, Billy Holland and Jeremy Manning.

There is also a welcome return for John O’Sullivan, back for the first time since injuring himself in the seasonal opener against the US Eagles while there’s a vacancy at open side prop with Darragh Hurley required to travel to Scotland with Ireland A.

Meanwhile Ulster A manager Gary Longwell is looking forward to a game that offers opportunities to fringe players. “This is a strong Ulster A side. Matt Williams was keen to have meaningful A fixtures and this game provides the chance for everyone involved to stake their claim.”

The Ulster side is made up of a mixture of senior players and Academy players and will be captained by former Ireland U21 skipper Matt McCullough.

Munster A: D Hurley; B Carney, T Gleeson, C Doyle, A Horgan; J Manning, T O’Leary; AN Other, D Fogarty, T Ryan; B Holland, M Melbourne; J Paringatai, J O’Sullivan, J Coughlan capt.

Replacements: K Griffen, S Cronin, D Sherry, T O’Donnell, G Hurley, E Ryan, I Hanley.

Ulster A: M Bartholomeusz; M Kettyle, D Cave, S Mallon, P McKenzie; K Hallett, P Marshall; J Carey, S Philpott, T Court; M McCullough, capt, F Paulo; T Anderson, W Faloon, C Henry. Replacements: M Miles, J Fitzpatrick, S McDonald, G Webb, K Campbell, D Black, I Whitten.