Gaffney queries 'runner-up' tournament definition ahead of crunch clash
Even if they beat the Zurich
Premiership leaders, Munster could still finish third in Pool Two and miss out on a prized last-eight place.
The six group winners and two best runners-up will progress, but Gaffney has queried the tournament definition of 'runner-up'.
Heineken Cup handbook competition rules refer to best-placed runners-up', but do not state that a team cannot go through from third place.
A potential three-way tie in Munster's pool means Munster, Gloucester and Perpignan could finish the weekend on eight points, provided Munster beat Gloucester and Perpignan defeat Italian side Viadana.
"I still cannot see that if you're in a very difficult pool, like the pool we are in, that if we won four games and still achieve eight points and are equal to any of the other teams who run second in their pool and we still score more tries than them, why we shouldn't qualify as number seven or number eight?
"I don't understand why not, so we need clarification on it," Gaffney said.
"We are not making any legal issue of it at this time, but no doubt the branch will make the appropriate
enquiries within ERC (European Rugby Cup Limited) and see where things lie.
"It's just something we need clarification on. We just believe that's the way things are. If it pans out in our
direction, that is not what we expect, but believe that's the way it should be," he commented.
An ERC spokesman said runner-up meant runner-up, and the two non-group winners progressing to the quarter-finals would be sides finishing second in their respective pools.
If Munster finish third they are likely to have a better record than all other sides, apart from the six pool winners and team filling second place in their group.
As things stand, a four try advantage combined with a 27 point winning margin or any victory once
Munster score five more tries than Gloucester will be required if the two time Heineken Cup runners-up are to survive.
But Gaffney, apart from pointing out the requirements for advancement, won't dwell on Munster's precarious position. He believes that to do so would only put unnecessary pressure on his side.
Every part of the equation has been examined, even to the point of noting that Munster could also sneak through as pool winners if they were to score six tries and win by a margin of 23 points.
Still, Gaffney maintained a hardened attitude to that equation yesterday
after announcing a squad of 24 players for the match.
"I don't think we could have done anything else. After all, we only have 24 players left to choose from. If there was a 25th, I would have probably added him as well."
Basically, Munster are holding back because of injuries to Mick O'Driscoll, Jeremy Staunton and
Ronan O'Gara, but Gaffney believes all three will be fit for selection and said: "My only real worry is about Mick (O'Driscoll). We will have to wait and see and that could pose some difficulties for us.
"The away matches against Gloucester and Perpignan were a bit of a disappointment to say the least. We really didn't know what hit us in England and it wasn't much better last week."
MUNSTER (from): J Staunton, J Kelly,
M Mullins, J Holland, M Lawlor, R O'Gara,
P Stringer, M Horan, F Sheahan, J Hayes,
D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll, J Williams, A Foley, A Quinlan, D Leamy, J Blaney, M Cahill, M Galwey, M Prendergast, K Keane, E Halvey,
C McMahon, D Malone.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
