Rugby Digest: The IRFU are planning a redevelopment of Thomond Park that would eventually allow the Limerick ground to double its current capacity of 13,000.
This would facilitate the huge demand for tickets to Munster home matches and allow more international matches to be played in the city.
The plans would see the demolition of the Ballynanty Road end of the ground and a realignment of the pitch by 90 degrees.
A new stand would then be built on what currently is Knocklisheen Road, a site which is now occupied by 15 houses which would have to be bought by the IRFU.
It is believed the residents of the road have been offered a total of more than €3.5 million by the rugby union to sell their homes and negotiations for the purchase of the houses are still ongoing.
It is understood that the financial package offered to buy 12 privately-owned homes and three local authority houses includes €200,000 for each house plus €40,000 in disturbance money.
Tri-Nations: Leon MacDonald has been named as Daniel Carter's replacement at outhalf for New Zealand's Tri-nations clash with South Africa in Dunedin on Saturday.
Better known as a fullback, MacDonald was handed the number 10 jersey by coach Graham Henry yesterday with Carter expected to be out for several weeks after breaking his leg in the All Blacks' 30-13 win over Australia in Sydney on August 13th.
The inclusion of MacDonald was the only change to the New Zealand team that started against the Wallabies with first-choice scrumhalf Byron Kelleher again not considered for selection after he was concussed in the previous match with South Africa.
A crippling injury toll has forced Australia to delay naming their squad for their final Tri-nations match against New Zealand on September 3rd.
Outhalf Stephen Larkham and winger Wendell Sailor have already been ruled out while outside centre Stirling Mortlock, hooker Jeremy Paul and winger Mark Gerrard are all doubtful.
Replacement outhalf Elton Flatley, a late withdrawal from Saturday's match with the South Africa after suffering blurred vision just before the kick-off, was to see a specialist yesterday.
Lock Daniel Vickerman is to visit a surgeon today to discuss his injured shoulder while number eight David Lyons will also see a specialist to discuss an ongoing groin injury.
NEW ZEALAND (v South Africa): Muliaina; Gear, Umaga (capt), Mauger, Rokocoko; MacDonald, Weepu; Woodcock, Mealamu, Hayman, Jack, Williams, Collins, McCaw, So'oialo. Replacements: Witcombe, Somerville, Ryan, Lauaki, Senio, McAlister, Howlett.
Dallaglio Return: Lawrence Dallaglio is considering a comeback for England, one year after announcing his retirement from international rugby.
Dallaglio, who broke his ankle 20 minutes into the British and Irish Lions's first match of their tour of New Zealand in June, hopes to return to action for Wasps in November and has not ruled out appearing in the 2007 World Cup.
"I made that decision (to retire) based on how I felt physically and mentally at the time," Dallaglio said. "I wouldn't want to rule out the possibility of a return. It is something that has to be thought about very seriously."
Lewsey Injury: Josh Lewsey is set to be out of action until the middle of October after undergoing shoulder surgery. The Wasps fullback suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder on the Lions tour of New Zealand and is expected to miss two months of the new campaign.
