Timely boost for Munster as Zebo ready for action

MUNSTER received a rare fitness boost last night ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Heineken Cup group rivals Scarlets, while their hosts are hopeful young Wales star George North will overcome a leg injury.

Munster are still reeling over the loss of former All Black wing Doug Howlett, ruled out for the rest of the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon that required surgery on Wednesday.

Howlett’s operation was reported as “successful” by the province last night and Munster were due to fly into Wales today with another concern lifted after the wing’s possible replacement Simon Zebo was passed fit.

There had been doubts about the 21-year-old’s availability after he turned his ankle in training on Tuesday but Zebo successfully came through yesterday’s training session and was set to take his place in the travelling party with Tony McGahan due to name his team at noon today.

Scarlets, meanwhile, are confident their own wing starlet North will win his bid to overcome a dead leg sustained in Wales’s defeat last Saturday to Australia.

The teenage wing, one of the stars of the Welsh run to the World Cup semi-finals in October, suffered thigh bruising during the 24-18 loss in Cardiff last weekend but Scarlets head coach Nigel Davies said his condition was improving.

“George has got a dead leg which we are monitoring on an hourly basis really,” Davies said.

“It was very sore when he came in on Monday and I’ll admit we were worried. But there was a huge improvement on Tuesday and, if it continues, he will be ready.”

There was also a question mark over centre Jonathan Davies, who broke Irish hearts with his late try for Wales against Declan Kidney’s side in the World Cup quarter-final.

“With Jonathan we’re very mindful of his groin injury. You have to manage those type of injuries very carefully otherwise they can turn into something more sinister.”

Jonathan Davies, however, said he believed missing out last weekend has boosted his chances of passing a fitness test and making the Scarlets team to welcome Munster to Parc Y Scarlets.

“I am a lot more confident about playing on Saturday than I was last week,” the centre said. “Hopefully everything will be right.

“Obviously I was gutted not to be able to be involved last Saturday. It was a tough decision, but it was a wise one and hopefully it will pay off with me being able to play this weekend.

“Ticket sales are close to a sell-out and it will be a big occasion and the players are looking forward to giving the fans a good performance and a great result.”