Gaffney says Hendo loss is a hammer blow to Munster

MUNSTER coach Alan Gaffney has described the loss of Rob Henderson as “a hammer blow” in advance of upcoming Celtic League encounters.

Despite Munster’s opening match victory over former champions Leinster, Gaffney believes Munster will have to pull out all the stops to maintain an unbeaten competitive record at Thomond Park on Friday.

With so many Munster players away on World Cup duty, Gaffney could do with the experience of Henderson, who could be out of action for up to ten weeks after undergoing an operation for a torn bicep.

The champions did kick-off with a win over their arch Irish rivals, but Gaffney prepares to face Llanelli Scarlets with plenty to ponder over.

“It is a real shame for Hendo and I am glad we will be at home for this one as the Scarlets will be a very difficult proposition. They are an extremely good side.

“We have had a couple of great games against them and, in the last one, if it had been a boxing match, they would have won on points. They were the better side but just didn’t get the rewards.

“We have got 12 players on international duty plus the loss of Hendo, so I guess we will be calling on some club players, but that was always on the cards.

“As far as the match against Leinster goes, let’s just say it wasn’t pretty - but we will take the win. When there are 36 penalties in a game you simply cannot have an enjoyable game for either players or spectators.”

Meanwhile, Glasgow Rugby made the vital winning start demanded by coach Hugh Campbell by beating Cardiff Blues at Hughenden but now comes the test of their ability to take their form on the road.

“It was very pleasing to start with a win, it was just what we were looking for as it is great for building confidence,” said Campbell.

“Our defence was excellent, which was great, but there are still areas to work on before we travel to Belfast this weekend.

“And make no mistake, Ravenhill on a Friday night is something special, a great atmosphere and a great challenge for the visiting team.

“We have got a couple of injury worries that could well force us to make some changes but a tournament like this is all about using your squad and having the necessary strength in depth.

“Alan Solomons is an excellent coach and Ulster are a most impressive outfit. They will be disappointed with their result against the Ospreys and will be a very difficult proposition for us on the back of that performance.

“The big plus for me is the way the squad have gelled together as a group. That was our main priority in preparing for the tournament and the way it has happened has been a huge boost for everyone.”

Gwent Dragons are staying calm after losing their Celtic League opener against fellow Welsh opposition Neath-Swansea Ospreys with coach Mike Ruddock stressing the 22-match competition is all about the long haul through to the middle of next May.

“The Celtic League is a marathon and not a sprint,” said Ruddock. “There is no panic just because we have lost one game.

“It was a tough battle down there - just as you would expect going to Stradey and playing in front of their crowd. However, it was a bit disappointing to concede a couple of late tries after defending pretty well.

“We also gave away 20 penalties and you cannot afford to do that against opposition of the quality of the Scarlets.

“Now we are looking forward to meeting the Ospreys, and well done to them in getting such a good win against Ulster. That will make them high on confidence and really up for the challenge.

“It might have been nice to have faced a non-Welsh team in the first two matches, to give us a different perspective of what we are about, but we have got two Welsh derby matches and we will just get on with the business.

“We will settle down over the next few weeks and show what we can do. I am confident that we will be a force.”

Fixtures

Friday: Gwent Dragons v N-S Ospreys, Rodney Parade (Alain Rolland), Edinburgh Rugby v The Borders, Meadowbank (Nigel Williams), Munster v Llanelli Scarlets, Thomond Park (Gregg Davies), Ulster v Glasgow Rugby, Ravenhill (Nigel Whitehouse).

Saturday: Celtic Warriors v Leinster Lions, Sardis Road (Iain Ramage), Cardiff Blues v Connacht, Arms Park (Rob Dickson)