Penney says Schmidt whipping up Paulie storm

Munster head coach Rob Penney has reignited the war of words with Leinster counterpart Joe Schmidt regarding Paul O’Connell’s accidental kick to Dave Kearney’s head 11 days ago.

Munster, Ireland and Lions veteran O’Connell is set to return to action on Saturday when his province faces European favourites ASM Clermont Auvergne in the Heineken Cup semi-finals in Montpellier.

It will be his first game since an attempted hack at a loose ball caught Leinster back Kearney on the head, leading to a night in hospital for the Leinster man following the Rabo Pro12 derby at Thomond Park on April 13.