Munster back/second rower Copeland was in the thick of the action during last week’s 35-36 home defeat to Old Belvedere when the Clifford Park outfit missed a late conversion to win it. But with Copeland once again available, Prendergast hopes his side can go one better against Cork Constitution and avenge defeats in last year’s league semi-final and Munster Senior Cup final.
It’s all a new experience for Prendergast, who takes over the coaching helm after a move from UL Bohemian and he is pretty excited at what he saw last week, notwithstanding the narrow defeat. “We won’t have the likes of Cian Bohane and Dan Goggin available, but Robin will play and we hope to get the best from him. But we won’t be relying on any one player either going forward. We can’t afford to do so; if guys are made available to us fine, but we’re going to have to get on with things from within the group of players we know will be available week on week.”
Young Munster edged out Con twice last year, 11-10 at home and 18-17 in Cork, but they lost the two knock-out meetings. “I know how disappointed everyone was last year but it’s a new season, a new side, a new coaching ticket so we will look forward and not back,” said Prendergast.