Not only does O’Driscoll offer the security of guaranteed ball at the line-out, his current form at restarts and presence around the fringes is further adding to his stock. This weekend’s game offers another opportunity to stake a claim for a permanent starting spot, even when the absent Paul O’Connell finally returns from a back injury. The Munster management will be faced with the unenviable task of selecting two places from three in-form players.

With their out-half back to his previous best, their pack rediscovering its ruthless dominance and an ageless full-back scoring for fun, Munster seem to be in the right frame of mind for an arduous four-week campaign.

Their mental and physical strength will be tested to the limit and only then will the rugby public discover if this side has truly recovered from the disappointment of the recent World Cup debacle.

However first-things-first, and the visit of the Dragons this weekend offers the chance to claim some crucial Magners League points and an opportunity to close the gap on the early pacesetters.

A victory is a must for the home side both for their title aspirations and as a confidence building exercise. The following Friday, Cork plays host to the most eagerly awaited clash of the season when Brian O’Driscoll, Felipe Contepomi and Co. come to town.

It’s a fixture the whole Irish rugby public have been waiting for and it promises to be an explosive encounter. This Saturday’s game in Musgrave Park offers the perfect appetiser.

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