An autumn boost for Irish Rugby

It's hard to look past the Irish especially considering the hat-trick of victories in November over Southern Hemisphere competition, which bodes well as we enter a two month spell of Heineken Cup Rugby.

Looking North, Ulster will be in buoyant form following their fine representation on the International squad. Paddy Wallace has emerged as a real contender to fill David Humphrey's boots should the Ireland veteran decide to retire from club rugby at the end of the season. Wallace, a confident character had suffered a dip in form which understandably knocked his confidence, however a majestic display in the green shirt will cause real headaches for McCall and the Ulster coaching team. Do they play Wallace at 10 despite the fact that Humphreys is playing some of the best rugby in the twilight of his esteemed rugby career? It's a nice dilemma to be in considering at the end of October there didn't appear to be any direct replacement for Humphreys in Ulster or Ireland.

The Northern Province face back to back games against London Irish in rounds two and three, and will travel to the Madejski Stadium in Reading on 9th December as favourites. London Irish, if the truth be told are a bit hit and miss at the moment whereas Ulster are sitting pretty at the top of the Celtic League. Spare a thought for the London Irish supporters, many of whom are Ulster ex-pats. I heard of one guy who was adamant that for the first time ever, he was going to forgo his season ticket seat, to sit with the Ulster Supporters in the Away Fans section of the Madejski Stadium.

In terms of Ulster danger men, expect to see Isaac Boss create havoc at ruck and maul time. Boss, the edgy scrumhalf has really come of age since arriving at Ulster. His ability to get out of the traditional '9 channel' at rucks and mauls puts defences on the back foot, and by the time they re-adjust to his wide arching runs he is normally kicking up the heels, well behind the gain line.

Competition for places in the Ulster backrow is at an all time high due to the emergence of the likes of Neil Best, Stephen Ferris and Roger Wilson, though only a fool would bet against former London Irish stalwart Kieron Dawson making an appearance for Ulster against his old team.

In the east of the island, Leinster have been rocked with news that undisputed 'Puma King' Felipe Contepomi will be out of action for up to six weeks due to a medial ligament injury picked up in the final play of the game whilst on duty for Argentina in November. Contepomi is certain to sit-out Leinster's round 3 home clash against Agen on 9th December, and short of a major miracle, he will most likely miss the away leg scheduled for the following week.

The loss of a mercurial player such as Contepomi would be a huge blow to any side, however the Leinster lads remain up-beat insisting they are not a one-player-team. Who could argue, when their backline boasts names like D'Arcy, O'Driscoll, Hickey and Horgan as well as Irish newcomers Luke Fitzgerald and Rob Kearney the latter of whom, recently received the prestigious award as Leinster young player of the year. The debate for who will play at 10 is raging long and hard in the Eastern Province. Christian Warner, the Australian who first arrived at the province during Alan Gaffney and Matt Williams time in charge has been plagued with injury and lacks sustained gametime. Warner has remained a consistent understudy at Leinster and will be relishing his opportunity to shine in the absence of Contepomi. Andy Dunne is the prodigal son who has returned to Leinster following spells with Harlequins and Bath in the English Premiership. Dunne, eager to play regular rugby, cut short his contract with Bath returning home to play for Old Belvedere in the AIB League where he has impressed enough, to earn a call-up into the provincial squad. Dunne will offer extra place kicking options for the Leinster management and should the opportunity arise, he will certainly grasp it with hands, feet and whatever else he can wrap around it.

Down south, and reigning champions Munster are quietly going about their business with minimum fuss, a low-key approach that has become customary with the Southern Province. Despite losing 'super prop' Marcus Horan who sustained a calf injury during the November tests ruling him out until the New Year, Munster have been boosted by news that All Black legend Christian Cullen, blighted by injury since arriving in the province back in 2004, made a welcome returned to the starting fifteen in a recent Celtic League game. Whereas it will take Cullen time to regain match fitness, the Munster faithful will be hoping he can show even a glimmer of his old self, that would be a tremendous boost to the entire squad going into tough Heineken cup games away to Cardiff Blues on 10th December with the return leg scheduled for 16th December. The hard working, fiercely loyal Kiwi is desperate to repay the Munster management and supporters faith in him, and goodness knows, he deserves the opportunity.

Thus far, Munster haven't really clicked in the domestic league, but then again a large chunk of their first team players have been involved with the international setup. With international duties complete, we can expect to see old Munster, back at their best. Declan Kidney has a strong belief in the Irish schools and club structure and has had no hesitation dipping into the domestic pool of players which is something that will stand him good in the closing stages of the Heineken Cup.

Manus Lappin is the Editor of Emerald Rugby, Ireland's leading Rugby magazine. For more rugby coverage checkout www.emeraldrugby.com or pick up a copy of Emerald Rugby at your local newsagent.