Anthony Foley returns for Munster

Anthony Foley returned to the fray for Munster on Friday night, two and a half months after he injured his shoulder against Leicester Tigers in the Heineken Cup.

Although the result went against the European champions – the Dragons came from behind to score a 19-12 victory at Rodney Parade – Foley still took much from the game on a personal level.

The Clare man said: “It was not in the game plan that I would play for the full 80 minutes but I’m delighted that I did and am also pleased that Mick O’Driscoll made a successful return after his ankle injury.”

Foley, who should take his Heineken Cup caps record to 78 next weekend, was disappointed with the game’s outcome on two fronts.

Firstly, the fact that touch judges in the Magners League are from the host country irks him. “There was a bit of stamping and other matters that went on during the game and they were not picked up by the touch judges. I believe that there should be neutral touch judges in the league as is the case with the Heineken Cup.

“It would also help referees in that they would build up a rapport with the other officials. If the league is to continue to enhance its credibility, it is essential that professional officials are in charge,” admitted the number eight.

Foley also summed up the province’s disappointment at not having won the game, adding: “We had a fine start and then we had chances to grab the win in the final quarter. We put them under pressure and then allowed them to get out of the hole pretty easily by knocking on or conceding penalties.

“It was disappointing to have put ourselves in scoring positions and not to have capitalised.”

Munster face an anxious few days ahead of next Sunday’s clash with Bourgoin – the first ever Heineken Cup game to be played in Switzerland. Tests today will show the extent of the injuries sustained by Trevor Halstead, John O’Sullivan and Jeremy Manning. All three had to be replaced during last Friday’s game – Halstead has a leg injury, O’Sullivan has a knee complaint and Manning injured his shoulder in Wales.

And it will be the middle of the week before the outcome of the appeal against flanker Alan Quinlan’s six-week suspension is known. Munster remain hopeful that the ban wil, at least, be reduced and while Quinlan may not make next Sunday’s game, his return would be vital for the Pool 4 showdown against Leicester at Thomond Park a week later.

That will be the last game played at the famous Limerick ground before it is modernised with redevelopment work to bring the capacity to 26,000 from its present 13,500.