European cloud may yield silverware lining, says Easterby

LLANELLI captain Simon Easterby reckons reputations will be on the line in tomorrow’s Celtic Cup Final showdown with Munster at Lansdowne Road.

Ireland flanker Easterby will lead the Scarlets in Dublin aware of what is at stake following a hugely disappointing season for both sides.

“Like us, I’m sure Munster will be desperate to get something out of what will be regarded as a disappointing season,” said Easterby.

“Both are proud clubs with great history and have flown the flag in Europe over the last five or six years. Yet we both came up short this season and that has hurt.

“We have probably had a more disappointing season than Munster by our own standards so we are desperate to get something out of it. It would not make up for our previous disappointments but it would be a great motivation tool for our summer preparations for next season. At least the supporters would finally have something to cheer about.

“Our performances have improved towards the end of the season. I wouldn’t say it has clicked but it’s definitely improving. Unfortunately it is too late to see us through the pool stages in Europe or save our Celtic League title. But we have at least put ourselves in a position where we could end the season with a major piece of silverware. A month ago that seemed very unlikely. We have grabbed this chance with both hands.”

Llanelli and Munster have had more in common this season than just their results and the colour of their jerseys.

Their mutual distrust of Neath-Swansea Ospreys is sure to be a topic of conversation at tomorrow’s post-match dinner following their respective verbal exchanges of claims and counter-claims this season with the new Celtic League champions.

Munster were incensed at allegations of racial abuse levelled against prop Marcus Horan, later thrown out by an ERC disciplinary committee, following an unsavoury encounter with the Ospreys in the Heineken Cup last October.

This week the Scarlets’ preparations have been overshadowed by Ospreys team manager Derwyn Jones’ accusation that Llanelli’s director of rugby Gareth Jenkins entered Irish referee Donal Courtney’s changing room at half-time during last Saturday’s Celtic Cup semi-final between the two teams.

Easterby could be forgiven for entering the wrong dressing room tomorrow after 42 Irish caps. For once he will be out to silence the home fans.

“Obviously I know a few of the Munster boys very well and I know just how strong and experienced they are. They are a very forward-orientated side with a pack that has been together for a long time and work alongside each other exceptionally well.

“They may have been a bit limited in Europe this season and they’ve been criticised for the way they have played in the Heineken Cup. That has probably affected them.

“But their half-backs, Peter Stringer and Ronan O’Gara, are two key players for Munster. With those two calling the shots, Munster can score tries out wide so there are not many flaws in their game.”