Penney: Hanrahan could feature against Toulon

By Dan Pitcher

Munster coach Rob Penney hasn’t ruled out JJ Hanrahan playing some part in his side's Heineken Cup trip to Toulon this weekend.

The out-half missed last weekend’s win over Connacht with a groin injury he picked up in the previous loss to Glasgow at Thomond Park.

It is thought Ian Keatley will wear the number 10 jersey on Sunday, but Penney said Hanrahan could still play some part.

He said, “JJ has made some good progress in the last few days and it’s possible that he could be in contention later in the week.”

With more news on the injury front, Penney said: “Donnacha Ryan trained partially with us and it’s unlikely he will make it but depending on how he gets through the next 24 hours, he could come in contention and Casey Laulala is fine.”

Twelve months ago, Munster suffered an agonising loss to Clermont in France at the same stage and the outgoing head coach believes his side are in the right frame of mind this week.

“The reality is we are going to have to play to be in with a chance — we are going to have to be at our best.” Penney said.

“They have big time internationals across the board, they have a massive amount of test experience and their back-up is equally as impressive.”

“When you have guys of that experience, it’s no wonder why they have all their success and we know they are going to be a hard nut to crack.”

“We can’t give a team like Toulon any start or not impose ourselves early, it’s an exciting week and I just hope our guys embrace it and give it their best shot.”