Coach happy as Munster A team face high quality test

Munster A couldn’t have faced a stiffer challenge than the champions in today’s B&I Cup opener with London Welsh at Towns Park, Midleton (2.30p.m.), but coach Peter Malone believes his young side will be up to the task.

Malone insisted yesterday there is a huge amount of talent in the Munster squad and that this game represents an opportunity for several players to lay down a marker for provincial Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus.

The age profile is youthful but Malone can still call upon the vast experience of Irish international Tomás O’Leary, who lines out at scrum-half alongside new signing, Cork-born Steve Crosbie, who has signed a short-term contract.