Munster

Munster

Munster

Full back: DOMINIC CROTTY.

Age: 25. Ht: 1.86m. Wt: 90kg. Appearances: Four.

A warrior who has played through a tough patch in his international career to excel for Munster and Ireland A.

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It's no criticism to say he's been phenomenally consistent all season for both.

Right wing: JOHN KELLY.

Age: 25. Ht: 1.77m. Wt: 88kg. Appearances: Six.

Turning 26 next week the Cork Constitution winger is perhaps a late developer. Not seen as one of the great stars of the side but consistently good and reliable.

Centre: MIKE MULLINS.

Age: 29. Ht: 1.81m. Wt: 93kg. Appearances: Six.

Been criticised for being defensively suspect but an exciting player going forward and dangerous on the break.

May occasionally miss a tackle but offensive skills more than make up for it.

Centre: KILLIAN KEANE.

Age: 28. Ht: 1.83m. Wt: 89kg. Appearances: Two.

Comes in for the unavailable Jason Holland after originally losing out through injury. Scored two tries from two outings already in this competition. A quality player.

Left wing: ANTHONY HORGAN.

Age: 23. Ht: 1.80m. Wt: 89kg. Appearances: Six.

Bedevilled by hamstring injuries last year, he has hit a healthy streak this season. A versatile player who's obviously fast and very dangerous given a little space to move.

Outhalf: RONAN O'GARA.

Age: 24. Ht: 1.83m. Wt: 83kg. Appearances: Six.

What a year. Has been the hero before with his kicking and positional play. An ability to bring the backline into the game. Could again thrive if he doesn't take too much on.

Scrumhalf: PETER STRINGER.

Age: 23. Ht: 1.70m. Wt: 69kg. Appearances: Six.

Too small they said. He gets up from the tackles, shakes himself, and continues to deliver snappy ball. Gives time to his backline, an invaluable asset on any team.

Prop: PETER CLOHESSY.

Age: 34. Ht: 1.80m. Wt: 106kg. Appearances: Four.

One of the better players in Ireland's campaign. Thankfully for Declan Kidney the "Claw" has found a new zest to add to his experience. A hugely important player.

Hooker: KEITH WOOD.

Age: 28. Ht: 1.83m. Wt: 104kg. Appearances: Six.

Inspirational and able to do everything - run, tackle, ball carry and hook as well. Another key player and with four tries is the second highest Munster scorer after O'Gara.

Prop: JOHN HAYES.

Age: 26. Ht: 1.93m. Wt: 125kg. Appearances: Six.

Another to have played in all six games, Hayes has come out of the shadows with Ireland in the Six Nations. Hopefully recovered from injury, he's talented and in good company in the front row.

Second Row: MICK GALWEY (capt).

Age: 33. Ht: 1.93 m. Wt: 115 kg. Appearances: Six.

Wiley, experienced as an Irish and Lions warhorse and a great opportunist. Will play a pivotal role in the pack with decision making. Also a big asset in the lineout.

Second Row: JOHN LANGFORD.

Age: 31. Ht: 2.00m. Wt: 110kg. Appearances: Six.

Munster will hope to gain valuable lineout ball from the biggest man on the side. Defensive angles and work rate incredibly good from the four-times capped Wallaby.

Flanker: EDDIE HALVEY.

Age: 29. Ht: 1.93m. Wt: 107kg. Appearances: Two.

Rewarded for his current club form. Dynamic around the park both in the tackle and gaining yardage. Also a very good lineout option anywhere in the line. Hugely talented. A time to show it.

Number eight: ANTHONY FOLEY.

Age: 26. Ht: 1.91m. Wt: 107kg. Appearances: Six.

Fitter now, the Irish number eight has been one of the more up beat and consistent performers for Munster, playing all six matches so far. With two tries, he is also a scorer.

Flanker: DAVID WALLACE.

Age: 23. Ht: 1.83m. Wt: 104kg. Appearances: Six.

This season has moved him further along the road, no doubt. Arguably one of Ireland A's more consistent performers.

Not that many open sides around and still developing.

Johnny Watterson

Johnny Watterson

Johnny Watterson is a sports writer with The Irish Times