Cullen, Dowling Back For Munster

After both recovering from injury, Christian Cullen and Ian Dowling are in contention for a starting place in the Munster side to take on Glasgow Warriors this Friday.

…Ian Dowling…

After recovering from injury, Christian Cullen and Ian Dowling are both in contention for a starting place in the Munster squad to take on Glasgow Warriors this Friday.

The duo sat out last week’s 9-8 victory over Border Reivers due to leg injuries, but, along with Ireland internationals Anthony Horgan, Alan Quinlan, Mick O’Driscoll and Anthony Foley, they have boosted coach Declan Kidney’s options for the trip to Hughenden.

Out-half Jeremy Manning, who kicked all three penalties against the Borders but was forced off late with a shoulder injury, has also been named in a 28-man squad for Munster’s third game of the Magners League season.

And while Kidney will welcome the experience the additional players will bring, it does mean that he is facing a few hard calls in his team selection.

The Corkman said: “Last Saturday’s performance was hugely encouraging and very important in the context of the whole season. It has certainly put it up to any returning player. I suppose we have to get the balance right now between being fair to lads who did so well and, given that it’s a six-day turnaround, freshening up the side for what will be a huge game.

“Remember we played them (Glasgow) twice last year and didn’t manage to get a point so on their home patch they won’t have any fears of us at all.”

The Warriors, who are the only Scottish outfit to have ever beaten Munster at Thomond Park, opened their league campaign with a 24-23 home defeat to the Dragons, and also lost last week when Llanelli Scarlets got the better of them – 31-17 – at Stradey Park.

Munster Squad: Backs – Shaun Payne, Christian Cullen, Denis Hurley, Mossie Lawlor, Ian Dowling, Tom Gleeson, John Kelly, James Downey, Anthony Horgan, Eoghan Hickey, Jeremy Manning, Tomas O’Leary, Gerry Hurley.

Forwards – Federico Pucciariello, Darragh Hurley, Timmy Ryan, Frankie Sheahan, Andy Kyriacou, Donnacha Ryan, Chris Wyatt, Mick O’Driscoll, Shane O’Connor, Alan Quinlan, James Coughlan, John O’Sullivan, Brendan Cuttriss, Tim McGann, Anthony Foley.