Celtic League news: Ireland outhalf Ronan O'Gara is Munster's main concern ahead of their top-of-the-table Celtic League clash against Edinburgh at Murrayfield on Saturday, writes John O'Sullivan
The match pits first against second with Declan Kidney's Munster hoping to recover from their defeat by Leinster last weekend.
O'Gara suffered damage just under his left eye, a gash that required not just five stitches but caused the whole area to swell. He hasn't trained this week to date but a decision won't be taken until closer to match time.
There is no other obvious injury concern, aside from the usual bumps and bruises, the legacy of a physically tough encounter. What's likely to smart even more is the fact Munster allowed the possibility of a win at the RDS, then a bonus point, to slip from their grasp, ultimately returning from Dublin without a point.
The following week they must travel to France for what will be a physically demanding tussle with Castres in the Heineken European Cup, a match they have to win. Kidney must assess the precarious balancing act of trying to win on Saturday evening in Scotland while guaranteeing a fresh and well prepared side for their French assignment six days later.
Given those parameters, it's likely O'Gara may be rested this weekend in favour of either Jeremy Manning or Paul Burke. David Wallace went into the Leinster match with a slight back strain and while the problem is no worse it could mean he'll miss out at the weekend.
Ulster coach Mark McCall will confirm today whether Paul Steinmetz and Matt McCullough will be part of his plans for Saturday's Celtic League game against the Glasgow Warriors at Ravenhill. McCall is awaiting the scan results on Steinmetz's damaged knee, an injury sustained in the defeat by Connacht at the weekend.
McCullough has leg and shoulder knocks and missed the last match but is expected to be available. McCall will be hoping for a positive response following Ulster's lethargic Christmas programme that saw them lose to Leinster (home) and then Connacht (away).
Rowan Frost deputised for McCullough the last day while another option would be to promote former Ireland under-21 international Ryan Caldwell. Ulster are likely to at least announce a squad today but could opt for a team if the injury issues are resolved.
Leinster have confirmed Brian O'Driscoll will be available for selection ahead of this Saturday's game against Llanelli at Stradey Park. The Ireland and Leinster captain started his first game in six months last weekend against Munster and while he left the field after 65 minutes holding his arm, there wasn't any further damage to the shoulder. Coach Michael Cheika confirmed O'Driscoll was a little bit sore, not surprising for someone returning after a lengthy absence from competitive fare.
Cheika must weigh up whether to give his captain another game or rest him ahead of Saturday week's European Cup match against Glasgow at the RDS.
Denis Hickie's return to action the last day, having recovered from a broken leg, and the likely return of Rob Kearney following a back strain that caused him to miss out on the Munster match, means Cheika may decide to rest his captain: he could name him on the bench. An extended squad will be announced at lunchtime.
Connacht are the first of the Irish provinces in action, taking the field in Wales on Friday when they face the Dragons at Rodney Parade. Coach Michael Bradley will want to build on their superb 22-12 victory over Ulster last time out.
He is awaiting a prognosis on injured pair Ray Hogan (foot) and Andrew Farley (knee) ahead of confirming a team and has added Dan McFarland and David Gannon to the squad as cover. Mark McHugh is also in the squad of 25 for the first time this season having recovered from a pre-season ligament injury sustained in the 22-17 victory over Leicester. There is no place for New Zealander Gavin Williams.
CONNACHT SQUAD: R Hogan, A Clarke, D McFarland, S Knoop, J Fogarty, J Merrigan, A Farley, D Gannon, C Short, M Swift, J Muldoon, B O'Connor, M Lacey, C Rigney, C Keane, T Tierney, P Warwick, D Slemen, K Matthews, J Hearty, A Mailei, C McPhillips, T Robinson, M McHugh, M Mostyn.
