Stringer has chance to show Lion heart

MUNSTER coach Tony McGahan and captain Paul O’Connell last night spoke positively about Peter Stringer’s prospects of replacing the injured Tomás O’Leary on the Lions tour of South Africa and his magnificent record over the years entitles him to every consideration.

Obviously, a big performance for Munster against Leinster in the Heineken Cup semi-final at Croke Park on Saturday night would be a massive boost to Stringer’s chances. Just as Keith Earls and Alan Quinlan took their chance to catch coach Ian McGeechan’s eye in Munster’s recent game against the Ospreys, Stringer can do likewise on this occasion.

“Anything is possible, looking at where Keith Earls and Alan Quinlan have come from,” said McGahan. “With no real time in the Six Nations with Ireland, both have progressed to the Lions jersey through good performances with Munster. If we play well enough on Saturday and Peter is part of that, he has as good a chance as the other contenders.”