International stars make a welcome return to Munster

MUNSTER’S victorious Irish stars return to Tony McGahan’s squad this week to commence a critical period in the province’s season.
Magners League leaders Munster face a trip to Firhill this Friday night for a crunch tie with the eighth-placed Glasgow Warriors (7.45pm).
Most, if not all, of reland’s front line stars are likely to the rested for the tie with the Scottish side.
Six of the eight Glasgow Warriors who tasted front-line action for Scotland’s during the RBS Six Nations campaign return for Friday night’s game.
Two of Scotland’s most potent attackers, Tom and Max Evans, are straight back into the mix alongside hooker Dougie Hall, prop Moray Low, flanker Kelly Brown and lock Alastair Kellock.
Munster’s hectic programme of games continues on Saturday, April 4 when Leinster visit Thomond Park for an intriguing Magners League tie (7.30pm).
The clash of the Irish provinces could well go a long way towards determining the outcome of the league as table-toppers Munster currently enjoy a three-point lead over Leinster.
The big games continue for Munster throughout April with the Heineken Cup putting their title on the line against the Ospreys in an eagerly-anticipated quarter-final clash on Easter Sunday, April 12 (1pm).
And Connacht, surprise winners over Munster at the Sportsgrounds at Christmas, visit Limerick for another big Magners League tie on Saturday, April 18.
Meanwhile Munster lock Paul O’Connell is second favourite to be selected as Lions captain for this summer’s tour to South Africa.
Current Irish skipper Brian O’Driscoll is an odds-on shot at 1/2 to be named as Lions captain by head coach Ian McGeechan. Paul O’Connell is next best in the market at 13/8 with Paddy Power while Wales skipper Ryan Jones is available at 6/1.
Ian McGeechan was expected to travel to Cork today to meet with Irish head coach Declan Kidney and the issue of captaincy was set to be discussed. The Lions squad to travel to South Africa, expected to include between 34 and 36 players, is due to be named on April 21.

Colm Kinsella