Penney: We’re essentially facing a Test team

Keith Earls has reclaimed his place in the starting line-up for Munster’s Heineken Cup semi-final in Montpel0lier against Clermont Auvergne.

The Limerick Lion has recovered from the shoulder injury that ruled him out of the province’s quarter-final success over Harlequins at The Stoop, and will start the game instead of Denis Hurley, who reverts to the bench.

French media claimed yesterday that Clermont skipper Aurelien Rougerie will miss the game through injury, but it is believed he will be given every chance to prove his fitness.