Penney with plenty to ponder for trip to Ulster

Munster’s fine recent run of form that has moved them seven points clear at the top of the RaboDirect Pro12 has left head coach Rob Penney with a few selection headaches for what is certain to be a very difficult game against Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday.

A number of second tier players stepped up to the plate in several games when the bigger names were absent, for one reason or another, so the New Zealander will think long and hard before naming his squad.

“Rewarding the guys who have done a great job is something that is always in the back of the minds because you have got to keep feeding and inspiring this group,” he acknowledged.

“A number are putting their hands up to go to that next level. We’re going to have a group of people who are going to be frustrated and rightly frustrated, but that’s the nature of the beast when you have a competitive rugby environment. You can only name 23 in a given week.”

Penney wasn’t hiding his excitement when he pointed out: “Some of the boys are probably in the form of their career. Johne Murphy and Donncha O’Callaghan are playing outstandingly well while James Cronin and Killer (David Kilcoyne) is an intriguing battle there. So, there are numerous positions that are challenging for us, which is great, and we have just trying to make sure we keep everyone as happy as we can.”

All that said, Penney is acutely aware of the challenge that awaits his side at Ravenhill.

“We go there prepared for the worst or their best and then nothing takes you by surprise,” he declared. “They’re a capable side, they are better than what they showed last week so obviously they’ll look to get themselves back on track.”

In last year’s corresponding game at Ravenhill the home side edged it 20-19 and Penney is desperate to avenge that setback.

“It’s a great atmosphere, probably one of the best in the country,” he said. “Their supporters are very parochial and very loud and 14/15,000 sounds like 25/30,000. It’s great credit to them, they’ve got a great little vibe going on up there. My most vivid recollection of last year outside of the game itself is the support they got, how passionate they were for their team. The game itself... we had opportunities to win and didn’t take them and you can always learn from every experience.”

Penney and his Ulster counterpart Mark Anscombe coached New Zealand junior sides and know each other and he also noted: “I coached against Jared Payne a lot. A quality act, yeah. Ulster are lucky to have someone like him and I’m sure he’d have been an All Black if he’d have stayed at home.”

There is good and bad news for Munster fans. BJ Botha, Tommy O’Donnell, Damien Varley, Felix Jones and Ian Keatley all reported fit and well yesterday and the Dolphin front row pair of James Cronin and Niall Scannell should be okay. However, there’s a doubt concerning Keith Earls while Sean Dougall (ankle) and James Downey (groin) are ruled out.