Battle born in Limerick

ON the training ground there is no love lost between any of the contenders for the Irish number two jersey but young Sean Cronin has doffed the cap to the battling Jerry Flannery for his determination, following a succession of injuries.

And it could be a battle today against Scotland at Murrayfield, as both Limerick hookers get game time to show their wares in advance of the World Cup.

Cronin will start and undoubtedly Flannery will be introduced at some stage, whether the senior man finishes is actually a matter for debate. But Cronin is merely looking to the short-term.