Munster facing tough battle up front

BOURGOIN coach Phillipe Saint-Andre was yesterday busily talking up the opposition ahead of his sides’ Heineken Cup opener against Munster.

"I think we have to recognise that this Irish side is a great one," Saint-Andre said.

"The experience they have gained is huge and the team has not changed much, just one or two players in for one or two players.

"Munster set the example for a lot of teams around Europe. We are proud to play them and, I hope, even more proud if we can beat them."

Saint-Andre, the former Bristol coach, was a player more used to engaging in a free-flowing style of rugby. But he recognises that his club's strengths are up front, an asset which will be assisted by torrential rain which has fallen in the region over the past week.

His sentiments were echoed by Munster coach Alan Gaffney.

"Bourgoin's strengths appear to be in the pack. They don't exactly throw the ball around that much, even though they have some quality players behind the scrum. We really have to look seriously at our game plan for this game.

"Our aim for the last 12 months has been to play a more expansive game whenever possible. This weekend, given the weather conditions predicted, it might not be possible."

But Gaffney did get a fairly decent preview of what to expect when Munster met Cardiff in the Celtic League at Musgrave Park on Friday night last.

"At least it was a fairly good training exercise for what we can expect in Bourgoin.

"This particular French side are really good at what they try to do. They have a huge pack and keep things fairly simple. But they are also very effective at what they do. It's clear to us that, despite the threat they might have out wide, we are going to have to match them in the pack.

"Our scrums and lineouts are going to have to be spot on and there can be no serious margin for error."

Gaffney yesterday unveiled his team for the match and was glad to welcome John Kelly back for this crucial opening fixture.

"We are delighted to have John back but it was a difficult decision to pick Shaun Payne and to leave Mossie Lawlor out of the team.

"Mossie has played very well for us in the Celtic League at a time when Shaun was out injured and when Anthony Horgan was away with Ireland.

"The other really hard call from my point of view was to pick Gordon McIlwham as a replacement before Simon Kerr.

"Simon has had a great run but we felt, for this particular game, that we needed more back-up at tight head rather than loose head given the nature of Bourgoin's scrummaging strengths and the way they actually play.

"It's tough when these type of calls have to be made and another split decision was between James Blaney and Jerry Flannery for a place on the bench."

Eight replacements have been named but only seven can be nominated for the bench.

Munster will fly to Lyon airport later today on a special charter and aim to have a training session tomorrow. Bourgoin are expected to name their side later today.