Ireland and Munster lock Paul O'Connell made his long-awaited return from injury for Munster 'A' against Leinster 'A' on Tuesday.
The 2009 Lions captain played 40 minutes after having been sidelined since October due to a back injury.
Although a Lions tour seems unlikely for the 33-year old, Munster have key fixtures in the RaboDirect Pro12 on the horizon, along with a Heineken Cup quarter-final against English champions Harlequins.
"I'm injury free but I don't know about fit. It was very enjoyable," said O'Connell.
"The lads played some great rugby. Luckily enough, it was a great day, a dry ball and that makes it harder on the lungs which is exactly what I needed. It was really enjoyable and good to get the win as well. I've done plenty of fitness sessions which in some ways are harder than this.
"But it's just the intensity of getting up off the ground, of trying to be dynamic and get up and do it again five or six times in a row. That's something that's hard to replicate in training, especially in contact. So yeah, I was definitely blowing but I'm delighted. I don't feel any ill-effects now or anything. I feel good.
"The plan was to play today and see how I am tomorrow. And then I'll start planning again from there. The hope would be to be involved in the next couple of RaboDirect PRO12 games, first and foremost.
"The more games I can play the better. I think the Heineken Cup is definitely on for me. I'm available for selection anyway. The two lads (Donnacha Ryan and Donncha O'Callaghan) have been playing very well so we'll see what happens."
Munster coach Rod Penney was delighted to have O'Connell back for his side, although he expressed caution regarding the timescale of his return to full action.
"The next 48 hours will determine if he plays for his club this weekend. If it is the right thing for Paul, then it's the right thing," said Penney.
"We'll see how he backs up. I love the guys playing their club rugby when they can.
"I'm really pleased for him that he got through 40 minutes today and looked vigorous. I was watching him closely around the contact area, the areas you need to be robust and he could have been potentially compromised but he didn't look like he was flinching at any time. He looks like he is on the mend and he is on track for a little bit more footie in the next week or so."
Comments
Stag says...
Gleek, after Saturday I hope you realise that parling & especially launch bury wouldn't lace o'connell's boots.
Melkdave, maybe have another think about what you said. Devin toner ahead of POC??
Posted 08:39 18th March 2013
Gleek says...
I think you'd take him on the Lions as a midweek captain but think he is well behind Wyn-Jones, Gray, Launchbury and Parling.
Posted 12:11 17th March 2013
Heathy says...
I would have him as a starter still if he was fit. Ireland have really missed him and his leadership this campaign. They have lost their way in recent matches and could have done with POC stearing the ship. I'd also consider him for the Lions if he gets back to full fitness. He's still a very good player.
Posted 20:36 13th March 2013
5Lock4ward says...
Awesome. Throw him and Alun Wyn-Jones together in the second row for the Lions again and see if we get a different result. What was it that was said about doing the same thing over and over again while hoping for something different? Don't get me wrong I like POC and it's great news for Munster and Ireland I just think the temptation will be too much for Warren Gatland to resist in terms of naming him a Lion.
Posted 18:16 13th March 2013
Dougie says...
melkdave, Toner starting ahead of O'Connell? I can't even argue against that point because it's so ludicrous. That would be like saying that you'd start Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of O'Driscoll in the centre.
Posted 17:56 13th March 2013
liam2me says...
POC is still one of the best 2nd rows in the world. Would make any international side, glad to have him back
Posted 17:42 13th March 2013
melkdave says...
Well lets hope his back completly healed and rested,this time.Last time he was rushed back,and Ireland have paid the penalty ever sinceNot that i think he should be a starter now.That should be D.Tuhoy or D.Toner imo,but if impact and leadeship ae needed what a player to bring offthe bench.
Posted 13:43 13th March 2013
MunsterRedArmy says...
Hope he stays injury free this time and no silly red ''I didn't see him I just swung my arm'' cards, we surely need him!!
Posted 12:40 13th March 2013