Munster and Leinster set to recall big guns for vital clash
At present, Welsh side Neath-Swansea Ospreys head the table by a point from Munster with Leinster three further adrift, so the outcome could have a crucial bearing on the destination of the title.
Munster coach Alan Gaffney said last night that he expected to “go the full bore” for this game, meaning there will be a recall for Ronan O’Gara, Peter Stringer, Mike Mullins and Rob Henderson, all of whom were rested against Connacht on Monday.
There should also be a recall at hooker for Frankie Sheahan who was unable to take his place on the bench in Galway because of influenza.
However, he is almost certain to be fit enough to renew his rivalry with Shane Byrne in a duel that should be of considerable interest to Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan.
As always, there will be a keen contest for back-row spots although David Wallace, who is likely to have recovered in time from a neck injury, will be given a chance to stake his claim for a place against the Ospreys in the following week’s Heineken Cup tie at Thomond Park. Jim Williams was also an absentee against Connacht and he will also be considered for selection.
Gaffney gambled somewhat in indulging in a little squad rotation in Galway, but as it transpired the conditions were so awful that the likes of James Storey, Jason Holland, Paul Burke, Eoin Reddan and Mike Prendergast had little or no chance to catch the Aussie’s eye.
Nor were the big names behind the scrum missed to any great extent, simply because even quality players like O’Gara and Stringer could have done little in the prevailing conditions.
Just as Munster were fortunate to scrape home by a penalty to nil at the Sportsground, Leinster were equally so in pipping Ulster by 9-8 at Donnybrook.
Declan Kidney brings his Leinster side to his native city for the first time and it can be safely assumed that he will include Brian O’Driscoll, Denis Hickie, Girvan Dempsey, Shane Byrne, Malcolm O’Kelly and Eric Miller from the start.
O’Driscoll did enter the fray after a half hour at Donnybrook instead of the injured David Quinlan while O’Kelly, Byrne, Miller and Hickie were also introduced at various stages of the game.
The scene is certainly set for a highly interesting encounter on Saturday, with the points at stake vital to both teams. Both coaches will also be looking for cohesive performances a week before the resumption of European action.
Gaffney gave his players a rest yesterday “to give them a chance to get over a few knocks and bruises. We have only a six day turn around but we’ll be back to work again on Wednesday”.
Meanwhile, Munster have noted the impressive ease with which the Ospreys crushed Llanelli by 28-7 on Monday, and in the process picked up the bonus point by which they now lead Munster at the top of the table.
This time they weren’t totally reliant on the boot of Gavin Henson. Instead, the elusive Shane Williams ran in a couple of tries and there was one each for both hooker and captain Barry Williams and James Bater.
Their win would have been of even greater proportions had Henson not missed with five kicks at goal. Bearing in mind that Llanelli had won each of their four previous outings, this was a result to suggest the Ospreys may well be improving at the right time and that they will fully extend Munster, even at fortress Thomond Park.
Meanwhile, Ulster and Connacht find themselves in the nether regions of the Celtic League as a result of their respective setbacks on Monday.
With the IRFU set to use finishing positions in the competition to determine Ireland’s Heineken Cup representation in future seasons, their clash at Ravenhill at 4pm on Saturday will carry more than usual interest.
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