Maturing Humphreys makes case for Ireland’s call

IAN HUMPHREYS was the name on everyone’s lips following Ulster’s shock 37-11 victory over Munster in Saturday’s Magners League clash at Thomond Park.

The Ulster out-half was the stand-out candidate for the man of the match award as he masterminded the provinces’s first victory over Munster at Thomond Park since 1992 when his then relatively unknown brother, David, was also an inspirational figure.

Inevitably, there are now calls for Ian to be upgraded as Ronan O’Gara’s understudy with Ireland. “Since I haven’t been able to establish myself as Ulster out-half, I could hardly be thinking in terms of playing for Ireland,” Humphreys admitted.