McIlwham in as Horan out for Italian job

MUNSTER have prepared for a huge battle in Italy this weekend, but their plans have been slightly disrupted with two-try hero Marcus Horan ruled out of the team.

However, it's not a source of huge concern as Munster have an instant international replacement in Scotsman Gordon McIlwham.

Horan will remain at home to recover from a slight back strain, and his place will be taken by McIlwham, in his first Heineken Cup start for the province.

The decision to exclude Horan, despite a reasonable chance of playing, was a considered one, according to coach Alan Gaffney.

"Marcus could have played at a pinch. But we felt he wasn't quite ready, even though he was willing to play, and we also figured that a relatively long flight wouldn't have done his condition much good.

"We had to look at what was best for the team and for the player in the long run. I don't have any doubt that Gordon, with all his experience and ability, will be able to fit the bill very well."

Gaffney, taking no chances with Horan, is taking no risks with the team selection either. There are guys we would have liked to try out, give a run to, but this is an occasion that demands we put out the best team possible.

"There is no such thing as an easy game in this competition and Treviso have proven themselves capable of doing serious damage.

"Treviso beat Bourgoin, led Gloucester at half-time and have to be given our full respect. They can play well and they can score tries. We have got to show a lot of control against a side that will be competitive up front and one that has a lot of flair in the back line.

"We've got to go forward from where we are. We can't sit back even though the performance against Gloucester was good. We still have room for improvement."

Captain Jim Williams promised Munster would be fully focused and fired up for the occasion.

"We've got to a stage where we can shape our own destiny and we certainly don't want to slip from that position.

"We're well aware of Treviso's scoring power and the passion with which they play.

"They are a good side and the type of team to hurt opposition not totally concentrated.

"We played them already and there are subtle differences in styles between Italian, French and English sides.

"Even though the Italians are tough and competitive in the set pieces, Treviso's style of play is a bit looser than you might expect of the others.

"We have already noted the amount of tries they've scored in the competition, and concentration will be a key factor.

"It's important that we don't give them scoring opportunities because they're well capable of taking them."

lThe Munster Branch will offer 2,700 tickets for the final Heineken Cup pool game against Bourgoin from today.

The Branch is selling the tickets (maximum of two per person) through a ticket line 1890-946-505 (6 to 9pm).

Tickets are €15 for the terraces and €25 for goal-line seats.

A transaction fee of €3 applies.