Toulon braced for O’Connell’s return

TOULON are preparing for Munster to unleash Paul O’Connell in Sunday’s make or break Heineken Cup clash at the Stade Mayol, according to their English lock Dean Schofield.

The debate on whether the Munster captain will be handed a starting role in the Pool Three showdown has reached the south of France as the two-time European champions’ head coach Tony McGahan ponders one of his most important ever selection decisions.

Available for the first time since serving a four-week suspension after being sent off in December’s home tie against Ospreys, O’Connell’s readiness for such an important fixture is an issue, given his lack of game time following a lengthy injury lay-off.