Matt O'Connor's luck with injuries may be running out ahead of a crucial 9 day spell for the province. Ireland's Six Nations success didn't come without any casualties, most of them in the front row and it's left the coach with big problems ahead of Saturday's Rabo Direct Pro 12 showdown with Munster.
The main man at loosehead, Cian Healy, has been struggling ever since his premature return from an ankle op in January and O'Connor won't risk him with a Heineken Cup quarter-final at Toulon looming on Sunday week.
"We've got a little bit of a focus for what's happening the next week. We understand how important this (Munster match) is but we've got to have an eye on what's happening next week. If there's any concerns, then there's probably two or three blokes in that category, we'll probably hold off and give ourselves the best chance."
The man who would normally cover for Healy, Jack McGrath, is struggling with a shoulder injury while at tighthead, Marty Moore and Tadhg Furlong are also nursing knocks. It could mean just a second league start for the inexperienced Jack O'Connell while Michael Bent covers both sides from the bench with Mike Ross expected to start at tighthead.
International second-row Devin Toner played every game for Ireland in the Six Nations but feels ready as ever to take on the might of Munster at a sold-out Aviva Stadium.
"I feel pretty refreshed and rejuvenated. This is the first year that I've played all the games in the Six Nations. I was quite used to Leinster all through the whole season so it's really good getting back to all the lads and getting back to what you know."
The lofty lock feels a match with their arch-rivals is ideal preparation for the Toulon tussle.
"It just focuses you and it's obviously great to get the lads back in and just get back to your old systems. It's perfect to have these games two weeks in a row."
