Hayes, Quinlan boost Munster

JOHN HAYES and Alan Quinlan are both included in a 25-strong squad from which the Munster team to take on Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park on Friday (7.05, Setanta Sports) will be finalised tomorrow.

Hayes is the first of Munster’s Lions contingent to be pressed into action, while Quinlan’s 12-week suspension ends today. Manager Shaun Payne last night declined to say whether either or both would start but it is perfectly clear the camp is smarting after the bitterly disappointing performance against Glasgow Warriors last Friday.

Accordingly, changes can be expected and it could be that even the long established Marcus Horan and Tony Buckley could be under pressure.