Earls set for quick return after ‘dead leg’ injury
The Limerick tyro received a blow to the knee in the second half of Sunday’s clash and was replaced by Barry Murphy.
However, he joined with the national squad last night and medics remain confident he will make a quick recovery from the knock and will take a full part in squad training sessions before the end of the week.
Generally, it was good news for Irish coach Declan Kidney when the remainder of the squad that were involved in European battle with their provinces presented themselves in good shape to prepare for the opening game against France the weekend after next.
Meanwhile the Ospreys insist they will relish the chance to wear the underdog tag in their Heineken Cup quarter-final against reigning champions Munster.
The Welsh region qualified for the last eight as one of the best runners-up following London Wasps 21-15 defeat to Castres.
And Ospreys coach Sean Holley reckons the trip to Thomond Park in April will give their star-studded line-up a rare chance of pulling off a giantkilling of their own.
Holley said: “We’re delighted to progress through to the quarter-final stages for the second successive season.
“We realise that we face a tough task and that Munster will be most people’s favourites at a full Thomond Park.
“But if we want to succeed in this competition, we have to play and beat the best at some stage.”
While the Ospreys faced a nervy wait to confirm their place in the knock-out stages, double European champions Munster cruised through for the 11th successive season.
But despite the Irish province’s proud record, the Ospreys have their sights set on causing an upset.
Holley said: “We’ve got tremendous respect for Munster and their achievements over the years as well as the strong culture and values off the field.
“But as coaches and players, we want to test ourselves against the best players and teams, and play in the toughest environments.
“I’ve no doubt that this match will provide a real test of our character and ability but we relish the opportunity to take on one of Europe’s perennial powerhouses.”
Meanwhile Boylesports have shortened Munster’s odds to win the Heineken Cup from 15/8 to 7/4 following their demolition of Montauban in the final round of pool matches at the weekend.
Toulouse and the Cardiff Blues are the tournament’s joint second favourites at 6/1 while Leinster’s hopes of lifting the trophy for the first time are given at 9/1. Leinster’s opposition in the quarter-finals Harlequins are also 9/1 to lift the trophy. In the European Challenge Cup, London Irish are the 13/8 tournament favourites while Connacht are 50/1 to win the competition after drawing Northampton in the quarter-finals.
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