B&I CUP SEMI-FINAL:MUNSTER HAVE left three positions open on their A side to face Leinster at the RDS tonight. Tony McGahan will finalise his senior side to face Ulster for Sunday's Heineken Cup match after today's squad session so the immediate futures of players on the fringe of the senior team will be decided today after training.
Danny Barnes is one such player and is guaranteed a tough match whether it’s in Dublin in front of what is sure to be a boozy Good Friday evening crowd anxious to take advantage of the open bars and a lively British Irish Cup semi-final, or in Limerick.
In a demonstration of intent, Leinster have named what on paper is a strong side. The backrow of openside, Dominic Ryan, Leo Auva’a at number eight and captain Rhys Ruddock should make an impact, while a backline (all Leinster Academy players) containing Dave Kearney, Andrew Conway, Fionn Carr and Brendan Macken is certain to make for an inventive and lively match.
There will be a certain disappointment with some of the players not to be involved in the Heineken Cup but Leinster are on an unbeaten run in this year’s competition and along with bragging rights, there will be niggle.
John Cooney (jaw) is ruled out and is replaced by Ireland under-20 scrumhalf Luke McGrath who partners Noel Reid in a backline. Lock Damian Browne returns from injury and brings experience to former Mullingar secondrow Mark Flanagan. Jack McGrath is named in a frontrow with hooker Aaron Dundon and tighthead prop Martin Moore.
“It’s not too often that emerging players have the opportunity to play in front of what will hopefully be a big crowd in the RDS,” said Leinster coach Colin McEntee.
“So the anticipation has risen over the last few days and the squad are in a good frame of mind.
“Though we’re without a few players through injury, we’re pleased to be able to call upon several experienced players such as Damian [Browne] for what is going to be the biggest test that we have faced so far this season.”
Leinster have defeated Esher (32-18), Melrose (42-20), Llanelli (19-13) and Pontypridd (32-0) and drew with London Welsh (24-24).
It’s likely Kerry natives JJ Hanrahan and Barnes will form the midfield partnership.
Castleisland’s Hanrahan has been named in coach Ian Costello’s Munster side as have Denis Fogarty, Ian Nagle and Scott Deasy, all regulars in the senior squad this season.
LEINSTER:D Kearney; A Conway, B Macken, C O'Shea, F Carr; N Reid, L McGrath; J McGrath, A Dundon, M Moore; D Browne, M Flanagan; R Ruddock (capt), D Ryan, L Auva'a.
MUNSTER:S Scanlon; R O'Mahony, L O'Dea, I Dineen, AN Other, JJ Hanrahan, D Cusack; S Deasy, AN Other, C Sheridan, D Kilcoyne, D Fogarty, S Henry, J Ryan, P Borlase , B Hayes, P Donnellan, I Nagle, AN Other, B O'Hara, B O'Mahony, P Butler.
Replacements: T Sexton, J O'Connell, J Coughlan, J Murphy, M Healy, C Marsh, A Boyle.
