Fearless Treviso tackle history as full five points are a must for Munster

BENETTON TREVISO coach Craig Green, smiled quietly as he studied the plaque in Thomond Park that commemorates Munster’s famous victory over the 1978 All Blacks.

“Strange things happen in this place,” he observed, “maybe we’ll see another this weekend.”

Green, a World Cup winning winger with the 1987 New Zealanders, is committed to helping Treviso shed the mantle of European also-rans and vows his players will not be intimidated by Munster’s great record at the renowned Limerick venue.

“We know we are the underdogs because of the quality of the Munster players and their outstanding record at Thomond Park,” said Green.

“We used home ground advantage last week to give some of our younger squad members the experience of European rugby but we have a full side for this game. These are the kinds of occasions we love and nothing will dampen our spirits.”

Green has recalled Simon Mason, the Irishman who virtually kicked Ulster to European glory in 1999, at full-back.

Manuel Dallan in the three-quarter line, Alessandro Troncon at scrum-half and forwards Pierre Ribbens, Santiago Dellape and Scott Palmer are also recalled in the aftermath of last week’s 33-12 defeat to Gloucester.

The inclusion of Troncon at scrum-half lends added spice to the encounter. He is well remembered as the man who flattened Peter Stringer with a haymaker during the 1990 Italy-Ireland Six Nations game.

Their big pack will be well able for the physical confrontation and Green is also happy his back division will cause plenty of problems, especially with Troncon at the base of the scrum, partnered by the experienced Smith.

Munster coach Alan Gaffney, insists his team will not be taking the Italian challenge lightly, although he must know the sell-out crowd of 12,000 will be bitterly disappointed if they fail to claim the full five points on offer.

Gaffney signalled his intent yesterday by making just one change from the side that pipped Bourgoin last week.

Rob Henderson starts this time at first centre instead of Jason Holland, a decision the coach admits he didn’t take lightly: “It was a very close call: They are two exceptional players.”

Gaffney resisted the temptation to risk Anthony Horgan on the left wing. His hamstring trouble hasn’t cleared up entirely just yet so Shaun Payne wears the number 11 with Jeremy Staunton continuing at full-back.

Gaffney insists that they will concentrate on setting up a winning platform before thinking about bonus points, but failure could well have serious repercussions.

MUNSTER - J. Staunton; J. Kelly, M. Mullins, R. Henderson, S. Payne; R. O'Gara, P. Stringer; M. Horan, F. Sheahan, J. Hayes, P. O'Connell, D. O'Callaghan, J. Williams capt, D. Wallace, A. Foley.

Replacements, G. McIlwham, J. Blaney, S. Keogh, D. Pusey; E. Reddan, J. Holland, M. Lawler.

BENETTON TREVISO - S. Mason; S. Legg, T. Visentin, M. Dallan, G. Canale; F. Smith, A. Troncon; P. Ribbens, A. Tejeda, S. Costanzo, C. Checcinato, S. Dellape, J. Erasmus, S. Palmer, S. Parisse.

Replacements, P. Di Santo, F. Sbaraglini, E. Pavanello, S. Garozza, M. Montani. Replacements, P. Travagli, D. Eigner, M. Perziano.

Referee - R. Dickson (Scotland).