RABODIRECT PRO12 Munster v Zebre:THE RECENT playing milestones that JJ Hanrahan has accumulated should prove minor footnotes. He's an excellent young player who has proved a great deal at underage level but promises so much more.
A little over a month ago, the 20-year-old from Castleisland came off the bench to replace Ronan O’Gara after 74 minutes of a RaboDirect PRO12 victory over the Dragons at Thomond Park, marking his competitive debut for the province. Last Sunday he made his Heineken Cup bow when introduced in the facile victory over Edinburgh.
Tonight he returns to Munster’s Limerick citadel but this time clutching a role from central casting as he partners Casey Laulala. His performance will be keenly scrutinised.
The former Rockwell College schoolboy played for the Ireland Under-20 team a year younger in 2011. He wasn’t a regular starter but the cameos were promising.
Last season he was a prominent figure in Ireland’s run to the cusp of a Grand Slam in the U-20 Six Nations before losing to England in the final match. But it was at outhalf in the Junior World Championship in South Africa that he commandeered the headlines; he was shortlisted for the World U-20 player of the year, emulating Jamie Heaslip’s feat in 2004.
The closing arguments in the debate about his most effective position, outhalf or inside centre, are still some way off. Munster coach Rob Penney has chosen a youngish backline, with Laulala as the senior statesman.
The home supporters will be looking forward to the return of Felix Jones and Luke O’Dea following injury, adding potency and serious pace to a back three that includes Simon Zebo. Duncan Williams starts at scrumhalf with last weekend’s man of the match Conor Murray on the bench.
Up front, Paul O’Connell is rested, Donnacha Ryan switches to the secondrow, Peter O’Mahony moves to openside flanker and Paddy Butler comes in at number eight. Stephen Archer gets his chance at tighthead prop.
The Italian visitors, Zebre, have rested three internationals Quintin Geldenhuys, Mauro Bergamasco and Giovanbattista Venditti, while two others, hooker Davide Giazzon and outhalf Luciano Orquera are on the bench. Andrew Manici and David Odiete have been handed their first competitive starts. Also on the bench is former Munster prop Dave Ryan.
Tonight offers Munster an ideal opportunity to prove they are continuing to evolve under Penney’s intelligent direction.
MUNSTER: F Jones; L O'Dea, C Laulala, JJ Hanrahan, S Zebo; I Keatley, D Williams; D Kilcoyne, M Sherry, S Archer; Donncha O'Callaghan, D Ryan; Dave O'Callaghan, P O'Mahony, P Butler. Replacements: D Varley, M Horan, BJ Botha, B Holland, T O'Donnell; C Murray, J Murphy, D Hurley.
ZEBRE: R Trevisan; D Odiete, G Garcia (capt), D Halangahu, M Pratichetti; A Chiesa, L Martinelli; S Perugini, A Mancini, L Redolfini; E Caffini, J Sole; F Ferrarini, F Cristiano, A van Schalkwyk. Replacements: D Gaizzon, M Aguero, D Ryan, F Cazzola, N Belardo, T Tebaldi, L Orquera, L Sarto.
Referee: Neil Hennessy(Wales)
Verdict: Munster to win.
