Injured O’Gara tips understudy Burke to deliver Cup goods
O’Gara will be out of action for a minimum of three weeks after breaking a finger in the weekend Celtic League victory over Leinster. However he is confident that the Munster’s incredible unbeaten Heineken Cup record at home will remain intact.
“I don’t think it will affect the performance in the slightest. The team has been playing well and there will be plenty of confidence in Paul. He is very experienced, has done the business in the Celtic League and I have no doubt that he is just as capable of producing the goods in the Heineken Cup. His track record speaks for itself.
“My injury is really only a blip. It’s a nice opportunity for Paul who has helped raise standards since he re-joined Munster during the summer. He certainly put it up to me and that’s a good sign for the team on Saturday.”
O’Gara is bitterly disappointed at having to miss the next two Heineken Cup games - he is also ruled out of the tie with Harlequins in Twickenham - but for once he believes injury has struck at a better time than before.
“I won’t be able to engage in any contact for the next three weeks but there are other areas of my game that I can work on while I’m sidelined. There will be a chance to build myself up in the gym and an opportunity to put in some time on goal kicking. A programme has already been drawn up for me to keep myself busy.”
Burke, meanwhile, is delighted with his elevation to the starting side. Though he feels great sympathy for the international out-half. “It’s a great opportunity for me, but I have to feel sorry for Ronan who has done so much to keep Munster ticking over in the Heineken Cup over the years.”
Burke played in the opening Celtic League game against Ospreys back in September and knows just how dangerous the Welsh side are. “They really are a good outfit. They won’t show much respect for Munster’s Thomond Park record and, I’m sure, will go all out to become the first team to win there in this competition. But we’re under no illusions, so we hope there is no chance of being caught off guard. From a personal point of view I’m just so glad to be involved. Hopefully, I’ll do myself and Munster justice.”
Meanwhile, Leinster coach Declan Kidney will tomorrow name his side for the return fixture with Bath at the Recreation Ground on Saturday.
He may have to figure without Irish international second row Malcolm O’Kelly and that would be a huge blow to Leinster’s prospects of embellishing their 100% record in this season’s competition.
O’Kelly (groin strain) missed the Celtic League clash with Munster in Cork on Saturday night and Leinster suffered as a result.
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