Warhorse O’Callaghan leads Munster into battle

Veterans Donncha O’Callaghan and BJ Botha provide the experience in an otherwise youthful side chosen by new Munster head coach Anthony Foley for tomorrow’s pre-season friendly against Gloucester at Kingsholm (3pm).

O’Callaghan captains the side from the second row, where he will pack down alongside Kerry youngster Sean McCarthy, a nephew of Donncha’s one-time teammate, Mick Galwey.

Young Munster’s Ger Slattery has the ideal opportunity to stake a claim for the hooker’s jersey with several players unavailable in this key position. He will benefit from Botha’s stature as one of the game’s great props at tight-head and his Young Munster colleague Alan Cotter at loose-head.