Penney hoping key trio will win Euro fitness race

Rob Penney is banking on three of his stars to recover in time for his side’s Heineken Cup clash with Clermont Auvergne on April 27.

Skipper Doug Howlett (shoulder), Irish internationals Keith Earls (shoulder) and Donncha O’Callaghan (knee) are all struggling to make it back for what is undoubtedly the biggest game of Munster’s season.

On a day when Penney tipped Joe Schmidt to take over as Ireland’s rugby coach, the Munster coach was more concerned with the fitness of his three players.