MUNSTER WERE FORCED to do battle with Glasgow Warriors this evening without the services of Paul O’Connell.
The inspirational lock failed to make it through the pre-match warm-up and was replaced in the starting line-up by Billy Holland. Dave Foley took Holland’s spot on the replacement’s bench.
O’Connell had started Munster’s last four games, including last weekend’s 26 — 10 victory over Gloucester, but his failure to play against the Pro12 leaders at Scotstoun will be a worry for Munster fans and Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt. The Kiwi has been forced to plan for the November Series without O’Connell’s teammate Donnacha Ryan.
O’Connell broke a bone in his arm during the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia during the summer but has looked in fine form since his return to action in late September.
Munster were forced to make a second change to their starting XV as Keith Earls’ irritated knee tendon saw him miss out. The winger was replaced in the team by Casey Laulala with Cian Bohane promoted to the bench.
The mood of head coach Rob Penney was lightened somewhat as his team defeated Glasgow 13 — 6 thanks to a rugby masterclass from outhalf JJ Hanrahan.
