Quinlan set for key role in breakdown battle

IN A bid to halt a four-match decline against old rivals Leinster, Munster coach Tony McGahan has identified the breakdown, and Alan Quinlan’s ability to snaffle possession there, as a key element for potential success in tonight’s Magners League clash at the Aviva Stadium.

Accordingly, the 36-year-old counter-rucking specialist has been included in the back row as replacement for David Wallace, who started at blind side in last week’s victory over Glasgow Warriors.

The wily Quinlan will play alongside captain Denis Leamy and the increasingly influential Niall Ronan against a Leinster back row that might struggle without the influence of Shane Jennings; yet the home unit still features Lions number eight and tonight’s captain, Jamie Heaslip, alongside Sean O’Brien and the highly promising youngster Dominic Ryan.