Denis Hurley, Niall Ronan, Tony Buckley, Ian Dowling, Marcus Horan, Mick O’Driscoll an Peter Stringer have all been included in the 20 man squad with the remaining two positions to be decided after Kidney names his squad today.

Soon to be Munsterman Jonhe Murphy has also been included in the side. Marcus Horan inclusion suggests a lack of match fitness and with Jerry Flannery also a doubt due to lack of game time and injury, The game against Italy could see a front row without a Munster player in it if the Bull were to come off, with Cian Healy likely to start at 1 and and a potential first cap for John Fogarty.  Shocking stuff really