Munster’s special reserve

MUNSTER’S shadow side came good in a superb Magners League contest against luckless Connacht at the Sportsground last night, extracting an 18-12 victory that now places massive emphasis on next Saturday’s clash with the Ospreys at Thomond Park.

While Leinster remain unchallenged at the top, the Ospreys and Munster are locked together in second place on 43 points, with the Welsh side enjoying an eight-point scoring advantage.

To claim the spoils from a traditionally difficult fixture with a side containing only three of those who had figured in the Heineken Cup win over Northampton was especially satisfying for Munster coach Tony McGahan. His decision to rest so many front line players because of the demanding schedule that lies ahead was entirely justified. Youngsters like Simon Zebo and Danny Barnes on the wings, Scott Deasy at full-back and forwards Billy Holland and Dave Ryan came through with flying colours while more seasoned campaigners like the polished Paul Warwick, Peter Stringer, Mick O’Driscoll and the outstanding back-row of Nick Williams, Niall Ronan and James Coughlan made massive contributions.