Kidney issues challenge to fringe players

MUNSTER coach Declan Kidney has challenged his squad’s fringe players to grab their Heineken Cup opportunities with both hands.

Kidney presented an upbeat report on Munster's wellbeing on the eve of their crucial European tie with Castres, despite the loss to Sale and injuries to key forwards Frankie Sheahan and Alan Quinlan.

"Injuries occur we've got a big squad and, however unfortunate, they give an opportunity to somebody else," he said in Cork.

Step forward Jerry Flannery as Sheahan's replacement and either David Wallace or Stephen Keogh for the unfortunate Quinlan. Anthony Horgan and Trevor Halstead are also fit again for selection, giving Kidney options in the back division.

Kidney reflected ruefully on the loss to Sale, believing that it was "a real cup game" that developed into "a game of chess."

"Apart from the fact that we got one or two bad bounces of the ball, there wasn't much between the sides."

Kidney believes that bravery and honesty probably cost Munster at least a bonus point at Edgeley Road and that a similar approach will have its rewards down the road.

"We have got to be positive. There is no point in playing for a bonus point; I think you've got to go out there and attempt to win."

It was a view supported by Munster captain Anthony Foley: "We're not looking back, we're not even looking beyond Castres to the end of this group. We're concentrating on this weekend only."

Foley is fully aware that it will be a massive struggle. Castres beat Gwent Dragons at home last week, but they let a huge lead slip and allowed the Welsh side claw their way back to claim an away bonus point.

"Castres got themselves into a winning position. They were a lot of points ahead and at times teams can take the foot off the pedal. What has to be remembered is that you're up against quality opposition in this tournament, and when opponents get a sniff of victory, they're capable of coming back."

The Dragons did that, coming to within five points of Castres with ten minutes remaining, but Kidney pointed out: "I think it has to be remembered that Castres held out comfortably in that last period. They were pretty much in control at the finish."

MUNSTER (probable): S. Payne, J. Kelly, T. Halstead, G. Connolly, A. Horgan, R. O'Gara, P. Stringer, M. Horan, J. Flannery, J. Hayes/F. Pucciarriello, D. O'Callaghan, M. O'Driscoll, S. Keogh/D. Wallace, A. Foley (c), D. Leamy.