Coughlan leads buoyant Munster A into tough Leinster clash
After a successful visit to Shaws Bridge last month when Munster beat Ulster 28-11, Munster will approach this game in confident mood and it is a game that offers opportunity for young Ronan O’Mahony who gains selection following the re-introduction of Ian Dowling to the first-team squad after injury. But there are more changes up front; David Kilcoyne comes in for Dave Ryan in the front row and Donncha Ryan moves into the second row for Ian Nagle, who is injured.
Try scorer and captain at Shaws Bridge, Billy Holland remains in the back row and will be joined by Tommy O’Donnell and Coughlan to form what looks to be a potentially powerful unit.
The Munster coach Anthony Foley gave his side a run out yesterday and afterwards expressed his satisfaction at where he believes his squad are at right now.
“I’d be very pleased with the strength of the side, obviously mixing the academy players with development and contracted players,” he said.
“We’re coming off a good first outing against Ulster and we see these games as really good preparation for the upcoming British and Irish Cup that kicks off in November.
“Our objective is to build a side, build a culture that hasn’t been there before and go into that competition with a degree of confidence.”
Assisted by Ian Costello, Foley has also enlisted the help of former Munster captain Mick Galwey to act as team manager.
Foley explained: “Mick was keen to get back on board and we are delighted to have him involved. He’s a massive figure to the players; he has a great manner around the team and is a very positive influence.”
Tonight is hardly likely to be easy against a Leinster side that will be especially strong behind the scrum. Apart from the physical presence up front of Eoin Sheriff and Rhys Ruddock, Leinster will be looking to Fergus McFadden, Kyle Tonetti, David Kearney and captain Paul O’Donohue in the backs to bring a talented looking Munster side to heel.
MUNSTER A (v LEINSTER A): D Riordan; R O’Mahony, T Gleeson, S Deasy, D Barnes; D Cusack, D Williams; D Kilcoyne, M Sherry, S Archer; D Foley, AN Other; B Holland, T O’Donnell, J Coughlan (capt).
Replacements: S Henry, P O’Regan, K Essex, P O’Mahony, P Rowley, A Burke, S Zebo.
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