Flannery ‘bursting’ for action

FOUR months ago Jerry Flannery was in pole position to start for the Lions against South Africa, the best hooker in northern hemisphere rugby.

Tomorrow he is left almost pleading with Munster coach Tony McGahan for a start against Leinster in the Magners League. A chipped bone in his elbow during Lions pre-tour training meant the powerful Munster hooker never even got to reach South Africa.

Now, however, rehab complete, he’s fit again and raring for road, which leaves McGahan in a bind. Tomorrow’s encounter is a huge Magners League game against Leinster, Munster’s fiercest rivals, behind them only on scoring difference at the top of the table (Munster are second, Leinster third). Does he throw Flannery in at the deep end, or does he stick with Denis Fogarty, the man who has done so well in the season to date?