Dowling keen to atone for French failure

IAN DOWLING says today’s rematch with ASM Clermont Auvergne in Thomond Park represents a mission of atonement, following defeat to the Frenchmen last weekend.

The Kilkenny native, whose career continues on an upward spiral, is also looking forward to returning “home” for the first time since he and Munster faced the All Blacks last month — a red-letter night in Munster’s history when they almost caused the shock of the new millennium, coming within three minutes of defeating Graham Henry’s side.

One of Dowling’s abiding recollections of the night was the passion of the Thomond Park faithful, which he believes is worth a few extra points on the scoreboard.