Provinces face crucial series of clashes

LAST weekend’s Celtic League fixtures heralded the beginning of a nine-game sequence that will shape the outcome of the season for province and country.

The next seven weeks will prove hugely demanding for players and management alike, particularly with regard to qualification for the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup.

From Munster’s perspective, next Saturday’s game against the Newport Gwent Dragons is of huge importance. The Dragons are bottom of Munster’s pool with just two bonus points from two outings. Their chances of reaching the next stage are zero, but they will be keen to topple Munster, whose reputation in Europe brings out the best in all opposition.