Penney: Wannabe 10s will be given time

Try as they may, Munster can’t escape the stark reality facing them this season — for the first time in 15 years Ronan O’Gara will not wear the all-important No 10 jersey.

And in spite of all the positive words from the management and Paul O’Connell, there has been little indication that Ian Keatley, JJ Hanrahan or Johnny Holland are close to filling O’Gara’s boots.

Keatley’s credentials will be tested at Thomond Park on Saturday for the visit of Gloucester for a Seat Series game that may just belie the term friendly because the sides will clash in the Heineken Cup later in the season.