AFTER the breathtaking third round victory by Ireland over Wales in the Six Nations, it is back to the URC this evening.
Munster will entertain Edinburgh in Virgin Media Park, Cork, this Friday night (7.35pm) and there is every good reason to predict that the home side will record another victory.
Munster have been patiently grooming the cream of the Academy crop with some success and these games provide the opportunity to perform their skills.
Players like scrum-half Ethan Coughlan and Brian Gleeson have moved up with some ease while brothers, Seán and Edwin Edobgo are on the verge of getting some play time at a higher level.
Munster have had a good run in this competition in recent weeks and the Cork venue has a pleasant record when the club moves south.
It was a great honour for Mike Prendergast to be named as Ireland ‘A’ Head Coach for last weekend’s game against England and, with Ian Costelloe the pair will want to make every effort to advance in the URC and Champions Cup.
The return of 32-year-old JJ Hanrahan is a welcome signing and he will be an addition to the squad from the start of the next season. An ex-UL Bohemians player, who is on a two-year deal and who had spells with Northampton Saints, Clermont, Dragons and currently Connacht, will replace Billy Burns.
Over the past few outings, we have seen superb performances from Jack O’Donoghue, the Wycherley brothers, John Hodnett and Alex Kendellen in the pack while Diarmuid Kilgallen has proved his worth on the wing.
In Cardiff, Munster duo Tadhg Beirne and Peter O’Mahony put in huge shifts and when the going gets tough there’s no better boys to roll the sleeves up and win the battle.
After their destruction of the Italians, France will be difficult to beat in Dublin next time out.
