Munster forced to hold Murray and O’Connell for Leinster battle

Rob Penney’s plan to include Lions Conor Murray and Paul O’Connell in his squad for Saturday’s Rabo Direct clash with the Dragons at Musgrave Park will have to be scrapped for another week.

Murray picked up a toe injury during the Ireland squad’s get-together this week while O’Connell is being afforded another seven days to shake off any lingering effects of the arm injury sustained in Australia.

While Penny is hopeful both will be fit to line out against Leinster in the last game before the start of the Heineken Cup on Saturday week, that target date may be too soon for Springbok prop BJ Botha, who has been carrying a knee injury since the pre-season game against London Irish.