Cup games disappoint, but blame it on the rain

PERHAPS the expectation level was too high. Maybe it was the memory of the outstanding fare on offer last season in both semi-finals and final.

Whichever way you look at it, the quality of last weekend's first round matches in this year's Heineken Cup was disappointing.

Undoubtedly the weather played its part. In the opening game of the competition in Stradey Park, Toulouse struggled in driving wind and rain to beat Llanelli in a dour contest. Similar conditions prevailed from Newport to Thomond Park, ensuring that try scoring was at a premium. The geographical scope of this competition was illustrated by the fact that players in Glasgow were close to hypothermia, while their Leinster counterparts were losing pounds playing in the heat of Treviso. These are the elements that make the Heineken Cup what it is faced with challenges outside of the norm, the team that adapts best will prevail.

First round games are conservative by nature. No team wants to start the competition with a loss and as a result mediocrity reigns. It was pleasing therefore, despite mixed performances, that all three Irish participants opened their accounts with wins.

It was inevitable, given their form coming into the competition, that Harlequins would fight for their lives to gain respect and dignity in Thomond Park. They earned that. Munster will be pleased with the result but acutely aware that a repeat performance against the Ospreys on Sunday will not suffice.

This game will have massive significance for Munster's progress in the competition. To emerge from this group will require a minimum of two victories away from home. The trouble is that Munster's most difficult away assignment against Castres takes place on the Friday after the November internationals. Given that the majority of the Munster squad will be on international duty for three weeks, Munster will have only five days, including travel, to prepare.

Castres were hugely impressive in their 21-point victory over the Ospreys last Saturday. They also secured a vital bonus point. Given that the Ospreys currently lead the Celtic League table by 12 points, it offered confirmation, if it were needed, that Castres' lofty position in the French Championship is no fluke.

Since Saturday's game, criticism has been levelled at the Munster backs, unfairly in my view. While it is clear that Munster are attempting to play a more expansive game, conditions militated against good handling. Yet in the build up to Anthony Horgan's try, the skill levels of O'Gara, Henderson and Cullen were of the highest order. There was also evidence that the centre pairing of Henderson and Kelly has promise, although the early return of Shaun Payne from injury is likely to see him restored to the midfield.

For Munster to win on Welsh soil next weekend, the performance of the front five forwards must improve. When the Ospreys coach Gwyn Jones examines the video of last weekend's game, it is clear he will try to attack Munster at scrum time. No doubt frustrated by the ludicrous interpretation of Welsh referee Hugh Watkins last Saturday, Munster's front row of Horan, Sheehan and Hayes got more than they bargained for from a relatively inexperienced Harlequins front row. With the Jones brothers and former Lion Barry Williams up front, the Welsh are certain to attack Munster in this phase.

Of further concern to Alan Gaffney and co will be the lack of urgency displayed by the Munster pack as a unit. There is enough experience within this group to know that a repeat performance against the Neath/Swansea combination will be ruthlessly exposed. If Munster succeed in returning their set piece to its normal level, they have enough quality to win this game. Anything less could spell trouble.

Elsewhere in the competition there were no great surprises, with the usual suspects to the fore. For me the most impressive performance of the weekend was Wasps' victory over last year's semi-finalists Biarritz at the Causeway Stadium. The French fielded a quality side, including seasoned internationals like Betson, Harinordoquy, Traille and Brusque. The strength in depth of the Wasps squad was underlined by the fact that they lined out without seven players who started the European final last season. Under these circumstances, to beat Biarritz by 13 points was an outstanding achievement.

Last year's beaten finalists Toulouse took one look at the weather and never got out of second gear.

To win away from home, playing poorly, reinforces their credentials.

Welsh captain Gareth Thomas was an inspired acquisition. He is a quality performer and is sure to make the

Lions tour to New Zealand. His solid temperament provides a perfect foil for the brilliant but erratic Clement Poitrenaud. Current evidence would suggest that he is still recovering from the nightmare mistake that granted Rob Howley the winning try in last year's final.

Elsewhere the most significant event last week was the announcement of the 26-man management team for the forthcoming Lions tour. I can only imagine what former Welsh legend Phil Bennett made of it all. Four years ago he approached me at a dinner seeking confirmation that the Lions were bringing a management team of 13 to Australia. Given that he had been on Lions tours for over four months and 24 games with just a manager, coach and a doctor, he found that incredulous. I wonder what he is thinking now.

From experience, I think Clive Woodward's decision to have two coaching teams for the Saturday and midweek side has a lot of positives. Certainly in Australia the coaching personnel were under severe strain in balancing the requirements of preparing two sides per week. The secret is to ensure that everyone on the management team has a clearly defined role and does not feel surplus to requirements.

Personally, I am delighted that Eddie O'Sullivan has been afforded an opportunity of coaching at the highest level. All indications show that he will be involved in preparing the backs for the test side. The experience that he will gain on a tour of this nature will provide further benefits down the road for Ireland.