Back row battle will prove crucial

Tommy O’Donnell’s elevation to the Irish Wolfhounds team came as no surprise to Munster team-mate James Coughlan but both will have their work cut out against a big and physical England Saxons back row at the Sportsground tonight (7.35pm).

Coughlan captains the Wolfhounds with O’Donnell and Leinster’s Kevin McLaughlin at his side as flankers and all are playing for a place in the 30-man senior squad head coach Declan Kidney will name this weekend for next week’s RBS 6 Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff.

If the Irish back row make a mark this evening, they will have really earned their keep as they face a formidable Saxons trio in George Kruis, Will Fraser and Jordan Crane.