Foley expects stiff competition from Leinster A

MUNSTER A coach Anthony Foley expects the sternest test of the season in tomorrow’s clash with Leinster A at Donnybrook (2.30pm).

Foley said: “We’ve had some great contests at this level over the last couple of seasons. It will be interesting to see what happens because in these games you sometimes get to see players in a different light.”

Foley said many of his side had acquitted themselves well in pre-season matches against Leicester and Gloucester when introduced alongside their senior squad colleagues.

“There are a lot of quality players on the squad sheet but what we’re looking for now is a display of substance tomorrow.”

Denis Hurley, Ian Nagle, Billy Holland, Tommy O’Connell and James Coughlan form the spine of Munster’s selection while Foley has also included outside centre Troy Smith.

“He (Smith) is a 20-year-old New Zealand lad over here with Midleton. He looks to be a talented kid and we’re giving him a chance. Another we’re trying out (off the bench) is Ger Burke, who played in school as a number eight with St Munchin’s College; we converted him to hooker last season and he’s now with Old Crescent. We’re having a look to see how he’s progressing.”

Former Munster men Stephen Keogh and Trevor Hogan figure in a strong Leinster team that includes several of Ireland’s U20 World Cup squad. Keogh captains and there are starts for summer signings Mariano Galarza and prop Ben Prescott.

LEINSTER A: I Madigan, A Conway, B Macken, E Sheridan, D Kearney, I McKinley, P O’Donohue, J McGrath, J Harris-Wright, B Prescott, M Galarza, T Hogan, S Keogh (capt), B Marshall, P Ryan.

Replacements: T Sexton, S Maguire, R McCormack, E Sheriff, R Ruddock, J Cooney, N Reid, M Keating.

MUNSTER A: S Scanlon; Denis Hurley, I Dineen, T Smith, S Zebo; S Deasy, D Williams; Darragh Hurley, S Henry, S Archer; D Foley (capt), I Nagle; B Holland, T O’Donnell, J Coughlan.

Replacements: G Burke, D Kilcoyne, A Cotter, D O’Callaghan, P Butler, C Murray, E Maloney, R O’Mahony.