Tommy the Toreador already relishing big battles ahead

As a Lions candidate in a position already over-subscribed by Test captains, let alone internationals, Tommy O’Donnell may have bolted just a little too late with his standout performance in Montpellier at the weekend.

But after holding his own against Clermont’s Julien Bonnaire, Julien Bardy and Damien Chouly, the Munster flanker will have impressed the watching Warren Gatland on Saturday even if there is no room in his squad for another quality flanker once he has pencilled in Tipuric, Warburton, O’Brien and Robshaw.

Still, Munster head coach Rob Penney was full of admiration for the Cahir back rower after Saturday’s near miss in the Heineken Cup semi-final, suggesting O’Donnell would also hold his own in that company.