RUGBY HEINEKEN CUP:MUNSTER COACH Tony McGahan has included Ian Dowling and Rua Tipoki in a 25-man squad for Sunday's Heineken Cup clash with Sale Sharks at Edgeley Park. Dowling (dead leg) and Tipoki (thigh strain) were injured and replaced during the win over Montauban at Thomond Park last Friday.
While neither player trained on Tuesday, McGahan will give them every opportunity to prove their fitness ahead of the team announcement tomorrow. The concern surrounding their injuries is reflected in the inclusion of fullback Denis Hurley and centre-cum-wing Kieran Lewis in an extended squad. Tony Buckley has recovered from illness and will vie for a place in the match squad.
Sale's impressive bonus-point victory away to Clermont Auvergne reinforces the nature of the challenge facing the European champions. McGahan conceded: "To win like they did out there says it all really. Added to that is their form in the league. They've won four from five and conceded just four tries. It gives you an idea of the size of the task we face over there. But we knew before this competition kicked off that there would be no easy games, home or away, so nothing has changed in that respect. We'll be looking to give a good account of ourselves and see where that takes us."
The Australian's counterpart at the Sharks, Philippe Saint Andre, tossed a few verbal bouquets Munster's way. He pointed out: "Munster are the holders, they are the team we all aspire to beat. According to reports they did well to win against Montauban, but they did win. Munster will arrive fully prepared and ready for battle. The fans are in for a treat."
The Frenchman's immediate concern will be the outcome of an ERC disciplinary hearing in Dublin today, involving two of his players. Kristian Ormsby and replacement Rudi Keil, cited for incidents in the game against Clermont Auvergne, will learn their fates today. Italian citing commissioner Achille Reali reported secondrow Ormsby for punching/dangerously charging Clermont lock Julien Pierre.
Keil must answer a charge of "an alleged dangerous tackle/striking/playing an opponent without the ball of ASM Clermont Auvergne centre Benoit Baby (No 13) in contravention of Law 10.4 (a), 10.4 (e) and 10.4 (f)."
Ulster coach Matt Williams has also opted for an enlarged 25-man squad ahead of Saturday's trip to the Stoop to take on Harlequins. The 26-10 defeat to Stade Français at Ravenhill will compromise the Irish province's play-off ambitions. Williams, though, took heart from aspects of his team's performance.
There are contrasting fortunes for a couple of Ulster players who sustained injuries against Stade. Australian-born Clinton Schifcofske drops out of the squad with a knee injury but Irish international flanker Stephen Ferris has been included. Scottish international centre Rob Dewey is restored, so too Fijian wing Timoci Nagusa. Former Ulster Academy member and Ireland A wing Mark McCrea features for the first time this season. David Pollock returns from injury.
Williams will be looking for a continuing development against Harlequins, a tough task considering the London club travelled to Stradey Park last weekend and staged a superb comeback to beat the Scarlets. He will name his team tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Michael Bradley completed a triumvirate of 25-man squads named yesterday as he confirmed the Connacht panel for tomorrow night's European Challenge Cup clash with London Irish at the Sportsground.
Andy Dunne and Adrian Flavin have recovered from injury, while former underage international prop John Lyne has been added. Mel Deane (hamstring), Keith Matthews (calf), Conor O'Loughlin (hip) and Mike Roberts (calf) were not considered due to injury.
The game marks the first competitive fixture between the teams and there is a huge local interest. There are still a few corporate hospitality packages available for the match, while supporters are reminded the game is all-ticket.
Connacht's match against Portugal has been rescheduled at the request of the IRFU and Rugby Portugal. The game has been moved from Wednesday, November 5th to Sunday, November 9th (6pm).
