O’Connell out as Foley warns Munster to step it up

Munster head coach Anthony Foley is demanding his players step up to the plate at the Stadio Monigo tonight (7pm Irish time) and beat Benetton Treviso, despite losing lock Paul O’Connell on the eve of the game.

The Ireland captain had been set to make his seasonal debut in Italy this evening in a much-needed return to the red jersey following Munster’s sloppy defeat at home to Edinburgh in last Friday’s Guinness Pro12 opener at Thomond Park.

The 34-year-old, however, was a late withdrawal from the squad, with Munster citing “personal reasons” and O’Connell did not board the flight yesterday.