Munster opt for youth

RUGBY:YOUTHFUL TALENT is given an opportunity tomorrow in Italy as Munster look to maintain their ascendancy at the top the Magners League table. Scott Deasy is named at fullback, with former underage internationals Tom Gleeson and Simon Zebo included at centre and left wing respectively.

Peter Stringer’s late call-up to the Ireland squad means Duncan Williams wears the number nine jersey; the latter’s back-up on the bench is academy prospect and UL Bohemian Cathal Sheridan.

Munster coach Tony McGahan has chosen a very young pack with only hooker Damien Varley and number eight James Coughlan considered to be first team regulars.

Darragh Hurley has made some impressive cameos from the bench, Ian Nagle’s stock has risen appreciably since the province’s famous victory over Australia while there is both footballing ability and a hard-nosed work ethic in the pooled qualities of the backrow.

McGahan has entrusted his young players with the responsibility to embrace a physically demanding test from the start but has named a bench choc-full of experience.

Wian du Preez, Mick O’Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan, Sam Tuitupou and Denis Hurley can certainly change the course of a match if the need arises.

Benetton Treviso are missing their international contingent but did manage to secure the release of prop Ignacio Fernandez Rouyet from the national squad. He starts on the bench. Benjamin de Jaeger has recovered from injury.

The Italians side are a much tougher prospect at home and even depleted will possess the resources to provide a tough assignment for the league leaders. South African Willem de Waal and Tobias Botes will provide the direction at halfback, while fullback Brendon Williams is one of the best broken field runners in the tournament.

Munster to win but it won’t be easy.

BENETTON TREVISO: B Williams; L Nitoglia, E Galon, A Pratichetti, M Sepe; W De Waal, T Botes; M Rizzo, F Sbaraglini, L Cittadini; Antonio Pavanello (capt), C van Zyl; B Vermaak, G Padro, M Fillipucci. Replacements: E Ceccato, M Muccignat, P Di Santo, I Fernandez Rouyet, Enrico Pavanello, T Benvenuti, B De Jager, A Marcato.

MUNSTER: S Deasy; D Howlett, T Gleeson, L Mafi, S Zebo; P Warwick, D Williams; Darragh Hurley, D Varley, S Archer; I Nagle, D Foley; B Holland, T O’Donnell, J Coughlan. Replacements: M Sherry, W du Preez, P Borlase, M O’Driscoll, D Ryan, C Sheridan, S Tuitupou, Denis Hurley.

Referee: James Jones.