Returning stars to give Munster a lift

Ireland’s loss could turn into Munster’s gain, according to one of the foot soldiers from down south as the focus now centres on provincial rather than international rugby for the remainder of the season.

Struggling Munster, says Billy Holland, have just a few weeks to get their act together but the timely return from injury of Paul O’Connell and “dumped” internationals Ronan O’Gara and Donncha O’Callaghan will help invigorate an under-pressure squad for Saturday’s Musgrave Park clash with Connacht.

Munster are involved in the business end of the Heineken Cup season yet again, but they’re far from secure in terms of the RaboDirect Pro12. Holland, however, believes the availability of the trio of stars might make the difference.