Gaffney sure Connacht clash will help Munster focus

MUNSTER coach Alan Gaffney is confident that this evening’s friendly against Connacht at Thomond Park (kick-off 6. 30) will be beneficial where preparations for Sunday week’s Heineken European Cup quarter-final clash with Leicester are concerned.

With the exception of Peter Stringer, John Hayes and Anthony Foley, all of whom are being rested after their hectic schedule over the past couple of months, the Munster squad is the strongest available to Gaffney who will almost certainly give all 22 a run before the end of the 80 minutes.

"Obviously it's not a game that we have to win but it's one in which we have to go out and play well," he said.