Malone expects tough Stirling challenge

Munster A coach Peter Malone predicts a difficult assignment against Scottish outfit, Stirling County, in this evening’s British and Irish Cup opener under floodlights at Bandon RFC (5pm).

A new system introduced by Scottish rugby chiefs means sides like Stirling County can call on players from Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Scottish Sevens squad who are not required by their primary clubs for competitive duty.

“It’s a bit different this year in Scotland but that’s good, that lays down a challenge to the players and that’s what we want,” said Malone.

Four of the Munster squad have tasted Heineken Cup rugby and Malone will expect that group — Billy Holland, Dave O’Callaghan, Sean Dougall and Andrew Conway — to lead by example this evening.

There are starting places today for Cian Bohane, Darren Sweetnam and Rory Scannell at out half. The front row features Alan Cotter, Niall Scannell and Paddy Ryan, while Shane Buckley is name in the backrow.

MUNSTER A: R O’Mahony; A Conway, I Dineen, C Bohane, D Sweetnam; R Scannell, C Sheridan (captain); A Cotter, N Scannell, P Ryan; B Holland, D Foley; D O’Callaghan, S Dougall, S Buckley.

Replacements: M Abbott, J Ryan, D O’Shea, B O’Mahony, B Haugh, G Lyons, N Kenneally.