A game of two halves . . .

Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution)

Born: March 7th, 1977. San Diego, US. Position: Out-half.

Background: Captained PBC to junior and senior Cup wins, played for Munster Schools and Irish Under-21 Triple Crown champions. Won promotion from third division with UCC, left to join Cork Con and now in his third season there. Played for Munster last two seasons and has provincial contract since last summer. Studying for a masters in Business Economics.

Strengths: When it comes to kicking, passing, tackling and breaking, most Irish out-halves, even the good ones, can do three from four. O'Gara can do the lot, now that his speed and ability to make a break has improved discernibly in the last year with the advent of full-time training.

Weaknesses: Doesn't have blinding pace or noticeable bulk (if he's to go all the way), and faces a busy summer in the gym. But still only 22, and as his one-time Irish under-21 coach Eddie O'Sullivan points out, even Eric Elwood was a bit of a whippet at that age.

Potential: Needs to nail down the Munster out-half slot, then progress to the Irish A team, but if he gets the breaks, stays relatively injury-free and his game continues to mature, then he could play for Ireland. If not, and O'Sullivan stays involved with the US, then one suspects he is only half-joking when saying O'Gara could play for the nation of his birth.

O'Gara on Staunton: "I think he's a fine player. From what I've seen, he's a quality player, no doubt about that. If he's better than me on the pitch there's nothing I can do about that. I'll let my performance speak for itself. It should be a good old tussle."

Jeremy Staunton (Garryowen)

Born: May 7th, 1980. Limerick.

Position: Out-half.

Background: Progressed through under-age ranks in Galbally and then St Munchin's. Played for Garryowen under-20s last season, captained Irish youths and played for Limerick minors in Munster final defeat to Kerry. This season has played for Munster A, Munster under-20s, Garryowen, Irish under-19s, Irish under-21s, Irish As. Is a member of the IRFU academy and is his second year of college.

Strengths: Most obviously, his running game. Genuinely quick and strong, he is capable of stepping off either foot. Well-balanced, and blessed with natural flair. Can play it off the cuff - the match-winning,

late try in previous meeting was meant to have been a pass for a called move. Two-footed, with a mule of a kick.

Weaknesses: He's young and is liable to make mistakes (which is part of the fun in watching him). Needs, by his own admission, to be more aggressive, especially in defence. With a big wind-up, he's accused of bringing a GAA kicking style to rugby, and can be blocked.

Potential: Sky's the limit.

Staunton on O'Gara: "Everything he does, he does really well. He's very good at what he does. He'll get my respect, no doubt. He's a good player. He'll obviously be out to get me because I've sort of jumped ahead in the ranks, so it should be good. I'm looking forward to it."