A Possible Nine Munster Players in Ireland Starting XV

Munster could possibly have nine players in the Ireland starting line-up when Eddie O’Sullivan announces the side later this morning.

If Eddie O’Sullivan is true to his word, and selects on form, then Munster should have have nine players in the Ireland starting line-up when he announces the side later this morning.

The certainties are at half-back, Peter Stringer and Ronan O’Gara; props Marcus Horan and John Hayes; lock Paul O’Connell and back-row where Denis Leamy looks likely to be handed the number 8 jersey he wore during the autumn.winter internationals although word has it that Simon easterby has been packing down in that position in training during the week.

Jerry Flannery is vying with Rory Best for the number two jersey, Donncha O’Callaghan with Malcolm O’Kelly for the four shirt and David Wallace with Johnny O’Connor for the open side berth.

Now in each case if O’Sullivan applies the form book criteria, then the Munster player must get the nod but that may not necessarily follow and O’Sullivan may well go with the man in possession which puts Flannery, O’Callaghan and Wallace on the bench.

In Wallace’s case, O’Sullivan has stated that he picked him for the 6Nations squad, having ignored him in November, once Munster started to pick him, which is a little strange given that in the nine competitive games Munster played prior to those November internationals, Wallace started six times and came off the bench twice. His form then and since has been outstanding.

The side is due tobe announced at 12.30.