Munster begin their 2018-19 Heineken Champions Cup campaign away to the Exeter Chiefs on Saturday (3.15pm ko), and an already daunting assignment has been made more so by the absence of frontline scrumhalves Conor Murray and Alby Mathewson. However, in his column today Gordon D'Arcy suggests the province's trip to Sandy Park could prove to be a defining moment in the relationship between outhalf Joey Carbery and coach Johann Van Graan. He writes: "These two very young men in high pressure roles should form a special bond, regardless of the result, from this series of matches. A relationship forged by trust can support their now interlinked career trajectory, with Munster the immediate beneficiaries."
Elsewhere Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has leapt to the defence of fullback Cyrus Christie, ahead of Saturday's Uefa Nations League clash with Denmark at the Aviva Stadium. Christie came in for heavy criticism from Alan Shearer following Fulham's 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal last Sunday - but the 26-year-old has his national boss on his side. O'Neill said: "I don't think the severe criticism (of Christie) was warranted. I don't think everything was down to him and the first thing I thought about when Shearer was saying those things was 'you should be asking the question'. Maybe that's why he only managed seven games; that might be something to do with it."
TG4's Underdogs is nearing its endgame, and in his diary today Eamon Donoghue has discussed one of the more brutal aspects of the programme - elimination. After each camp a player is cut - normally having had chance to plead their case both on the pitch and through an X-Factor-style pitch to the selectors. He writes: "The whole process is a strange TV concept that you wouldn't expect any GAA player to be prepared for dealing with. Being told before a club match that you're playing for your place, or before a county match that your spot on the squad is in jeopardy is one thing, but try doing something similar on national television."
Meanwhile Aidan O'Shea has discussed James Horan's appointment for a second term as manager of Mayo - something which will see the county hold trials for up to 100 players. And the 28-year-old feels this could help freshen things up on the senior panel: "I think there is a feeling out there in Mayo that it's been maybe too 'in-house', in terms of the same squad the last number of years, very little change. Everyone will get the opportunity."
And Wales talisman Gareth Bale is set to be fit for next Tuesday's Nations League clash with Ireland in Dublin. The Real Madrid forward has been troubled by a groin injury, but should return for the potentially pivotal fixture at the Aviva Stadium.
