Penney keeps a cool head

Munster coach Rob Penney has resisted the temptation to field his strongest side in response to last week’s second half meltdown at Treviso for this evening’s Rabo Direct clash with the Newport Gwent Dragons.

But a repeat of the indiscipline that saw four players yellow carded in Italy and the general malaise that afflicted the side in a shock defeat will have serious repercussions for the culprits ahead of selection for a series of mammoth fixtures over the next few weeks.

Penney has provided food for thought by picking Johne Murphy at full-back and JJ Hanrahan at out-half. With Felix Jones back on the bench after injury and Ian Keatley also among the replacements, the element of competition for two key positions in the back division is apparent.