Fitzpatrick challenges Irish players

Former New Zealand skipper Sean Fitzpatrick has challenged Ireland to turn provincial form into Test match success as Brian O’Driscoll’s side embark on a three-match series against the world champions over the coming month.

Excitement may be mounting in the Irish squad as they prepare for take-off but Fitzpatrick, and indeed ex-Munster and Ireland flanker Alan Quinlan warned yesterday that a productive domestic/European season guarantees nothing against the kingpins of the world.

However, Ireland’s standing was greatly enhanced this season with Leinster capturing the Heineken Cup, Ulster getting to the final and Munster going through the group stages undefeated before losing out to Ulster in the quarter-final.