Fit-again Conway and Cloete return

FRESH from his time spent in the Ireland set-up last week, Johann van Graan’s focus quickly turned to the less glamorous matter of hosting a hapless Southern Kings side.

As part of his CPD (Continuing Professional Development) programme, the Munster head coach was at training as well as getting the chance to travel with the squad to Murrayfield.

It’s all part of the IRFU’s desire to have all of their coaches on the same page and, by all accounts, it was a hugely beneficial experience for Van Graan, who is no stranger to the international fold, having spent years with the Springboks.

Despite being short on game-time, Chris Farrell may be disappointed to find himself released back to Munster, especially having put in a big shift from the start in the win over Scotland.

That said, this evening’s clash at Irish Independent Park does provide Farrell with the chance to fine-tune a couple of elements of his game as he looks to put himself in the frame for the Italy game next week.

The same can be said for Andrew Conway (above), who is back after a calf injury, while there is also a welcome return for Chris Cloete, who hasn’t featured since being stretchered off in a neck brace against Leinster over Christmas.

Hooker Niall Scannell is another who could do with a big performance to remind Joe Schmidt of his quality ahead of the trip to Rome. Fellow Ireland internationals John Ryan, Darren Sweetnam and Billy Holland start, while Fineen Wycherley continues his positional switch from the engine room to the back-row.

The Kings continue to offer little or nothing to the Guinness PRO14 and Munster will have their sights firmly set on securing a bonus-point victory on Leeside this evening.

Having named such a strong team as well as having plenty of impact from the bench, Munster should have little trouble in doing so as they and Van Graan look to turn their attention to much tougher tasks ahead.

Munster