Ryan return boosts Foley’s Munster

MUNSTER’S British and Irish Cup clash with Melrose goes ahead today (2pm), after the Greenyards grounds of their Scottish opponents was deemed playable.

It is a make-or-break game for Anthony Foley’s side following their controversial home defeat by Llanelli in October, but the former Munster skipper is in no mood to panic.

Donnacha Ryan, for instance, returns from a suspension picked up in the November International series.

Ryan will partner Billy Holland who skippers the side, and Munster will take heart from the availability of Peter Borlase and Barry Murphy in a strong squad. Another player back in action is Danny Barnes who was stretchered off against Llanelli in Waterford, and his quick return is a huge boost to the squad.

Munster’s selection doesn’t include Ian Nagle, Peter O’Mahony, Simon Zebo or Duncan Williams who are all ruled out, yet there remains a huge element of experience within.

MUNSTER: S Deasy (Cork Con), D Barnes (Dolphin), T Gleeson (Cork Con), I Dineen (Cork Con), B Murphy (UL Bohs), D Cusack (Garryowen), C Murray (Garryowen), D Ryan (Dolphin), S Henry (UL Bohs), P Borlase, B Holland (Cork Con, captain), D Ryan (Shannon), D O’Callaghan (Dolphin), T O’Donnell (UL Bohs), P Butler (Shannon).

Replacements: D Casey (Shannon), S Archer (Cork Con), D Foley (UL Bohs), K Essex (UL Bohs), C Sheridan (UL Bohs), T Smith (Midleton), S Scanlon (Cork Con).