Ospreys won’t crack Munster lock combination

AS a portent of things to come, starting the year with a thoroughly deserved victory over a highly talented Leinster side is as good as it gets for Munster.

Given the rivalry that exists between the two squads for places on the national team, last Saturday’s victory provides the perfect platform for Alan Gaffney’s team to re-launch their Heineken Cup campaign.

For Leinster, the mauling inflicted on their forward unit is sure to create doubts about their ability to deal with the more searching tests that await them in Europe’s knockout stages.

Despite the advent of a new year, for both squads the aspirations remain the same - Heineken Cup success.

After a slow start to the season, Munster are gathering momentum at a crucial stage.

Aside from the result, the most significant aspect of Saturday’s game was the performances of Donncha O’Callaghan and Alan Quinlan. For many reasons, most notably injury, O’Callaghan has had a slow start to the season. Tipped in many quarters as a potential test Lion, the big Cork man targeted last Saturday’s clash as the ideal platform to re-launch his bid for a ticket to New Zealand.

His work, in tandem with Paul O’Connell, in depriving Leinster of lineout possession was the foundation for this victory.

The quality of personnel available to Alan Gaffney in the back-row has resulted in limited opportunities for Alan Quinlan in recent times. This has cost him his place in the national squad. However, having edged out Jim Williams for a starting place in recent games, Quinlan was also back to his best. When Quinlan is in the zone and disciplined, there are few more effective players in the country.

Given the war of attrition that is sure to ensue against the Ospreys, it is vital these two players are at their best. With Horan, Sheahan, Foley and O’Connell also on top of their game, the Munster pack is in full flow. With the adverse weather conditions that prevail at this time of the year, this is highly significant.

The only negative to emerge from last weekend’s game was the injury to Ronan O’Gara. While he will be missed, the benefits of signing Paul Burke over the summer will now be fully appreciated. His Celtic League has been excellent and he will relish the opportunity of playing with the “big guns” over the next two weeks.

Given the recent history between these two sides, Munster won’t lack for any motivation on Saturday. From the moment that Brett Sinkinson stamped on O’Gara’s ankle in the Celtic League final two years ago, controversy has always been linked with this fixture.

The Ospreys’ management stooped to a new low last October in their attempt to camouflage Richard Mustoe’s stamping on Marcus Horan with an unfounded racial abuse allegation against the same player.

No doubt the Thomond Park faithful will vent their feelings on this issue next weekend. Just as well that Chris White is in charge of this game. His experience will be needed.

On the field, the Ospreys are sure to provide a stern test for Munster. There has been very little between the sides in their two encounters this season. This amalgam of old rivals Neath and Swansea has come a long way in a short space of time. A measure of their consistency is they still top the Celtic League table after 13 games.

Despite the absence of star names, the Ospreys boast a formidable forward unit with solid performers in Barry Williams and the Jones boys. In Richie Pugh they have a number seven on top of his game. His battle with Denis Leamy will be crucial.

When the sides clashed in the opening round of the Heineken Cup in the Gnoll, the Ospreys targeted Munster’s scrum as a potential weakness. Yet, despite the presence of an all-Welsh front row, John Hayes and co won the battle hands down. To win on Saturday, the same set-piece platform must prevail. Current form suggests Munster’s lineout and maul will be too strong for the visitors.

Their maul has got such a reputation on the European circuit that referees are looking out for opposition infringement and give the benefit of the doubt to Munster.

The other major plus is the insistence of Welsh coach Mike Ruddock that star player Gavin Henson is selected at inside centre as opposed to the out-half role he adopted when the sides met at the Gnoll.

His replacement Matthew Jones does not provide the same level of direction in the No 10 jersey. However, Shane Williams on the wing still has the potential to create havoc from broken play and must be watched.

Leinster face a potentially difficult assignment when they visit the Recreation Ground on Saturday.

Bath have been ravaged by injury all season. As a result, they have lacked consistency, as evidenced by the away defeat to Treviso before Christmas. Last weekend their poor run of form continued when an average Saracens team beat them at home.

Mike Tindall’s absence from their midfield should provide more scope for Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy. Therefore, it is vital Leinster sort out their lineout, which misfired badly against Munster. Given the presence of Danny Grewcock and Steve Borthwick for Bath, Leinster are sure to be tested in this phase. Much will depend also on the fitness of Malcolm O’Kelly.

Leinster’s recent Heineken Cup form in England has been impressive, winning on five of their last seven visits. The quality of their back line should ensure that this record is further enhanced at the weekend.