Foley backing Coughlan to step up for Saints test

JAMES COUGHLAN has been elevated to first choice number eight as Munster respond to the physical requirements needed for today’s crucial Heineken Cup clash with Northampton at Thomond Park (5.30pm).

Munster coach Tony McGahan was given the huge double boost of being able to select both captain Paul O’Connell and Keith Earls in his side to face the Anglo Welsh LV= Cup champions, but he had to make the hard decision to leave proven ground ball-winner Niall Ronan on the bench.

After serious consideration, he opted for a bigger back row player instead of the lighter Ronan, alongside two fairly bruising players in Alan Quinlan and David Wallace.