Kearney chance to earn final place

ROB KEARNEY makes a timely comeback from illness for Saturday’s Magners League clash against Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade (5.30pm), but will be under pressure to produce a top-class display to win his place in the Leinster Heineken Cup final team.

As Kearney prepares for his first game in a month, following a bout of mumps, Paul O’Connell will lead Munster into battle against Ospreys at Thomond Park tomorrow night (7.45pm) on what is bound to be an emotional occasion.

The Munster squad includes four of O’Connell’s Lions colleagues: Ronan O’Gara, Keith Earls, Donncha O’Callaghan and David Wallace, who fly to London on Monday to join up with the touring party.