Winning trophy is Neath’s sole focus
Neath coach Lyn Jones and captain Gareth Llewellyn are at one on the issue. "This is not about Welsh rugby," said Jones. "This is all about Neath," added Llewellyn.
Neath take on Munster as howling underdogs at the Millennium Stadium but the sides have similar records at this ground over the last couple of years.
"Munster lost a Heineken Cup final there last year and we have lost a few finals there as well. We are made out to be the underdogs, which suits us fine, but we're after a trophy," said Jones.
Welsh rugby may be in turmoil the WRU and clubs cannot agree the exact way forward but Neath, linked to a possible merger with Bridgend, would like a trophy of their own by five o'clock this evening."
Jones said: "This is all about Neath. We don't know what the future holds and as far as I am concerned the only future is this particular game. We cannot look beyond that."
Llewellyn agreed: "This is not about the international game. It is not a watershed for Welsh rugby. It is a watershed as it was when they beat us a few months ago for Neath rugby.
"We feel we learned from that defeat at The Gnoll and this is a final, a one- off against one of the best teams in the hemisphere. We need to produce our best and if we do that, I am fairly confident we can win the game."
Jones is a Munster fan. "You just have to watch their performance against Gloucester to realise what they are capable of.
"They are a true team, one which goes out with statistics and aren't happy until they have reached their total. It's almost like playing by numbers, but it's bloody effective.
"When we played them, we were impressed as to how well they did the basics in scrums, lineouts and in respect of their kicking game.
"They are capable of winning close matches, always move forward, and can hold onto the ball for five or six phases. They always believe they are going to win, and we must get over this.
"Our starting XV is as good as theirs, but the benefit a provincial side has is that it can bring international players on from the bench."
Neath have arrived at the Celtic showpiece the hard way, having to go away for the quarter-final against Pontypridd (13-12) and to Cardiff (32-10).
Munster are taking the view that, even as favourites, they have to be relaxed. "We enjoyed a few days after beating Gloucester in the Heineken Cup but there is no doubt about our determination to finally land a trophy," explained Anthony Foley.
"We could live on the Gloucester game for a long time but there are other challenges ahead. This week it happens to be Neath. We start from scratch seeking the trophy that has eluded us for the last few years."
Meanwhile, Llanelli have demanded an apology from WRU chief executive David Moffett over accusations that the club owe the governing body £2.3 million.
Moffett made the claim as Llanelli stood alone as the only club to oppose the WRU's plans to merge eight Welsh clubs into four regional sides for European competition.
Llanelli stated they are big enough to stand on their own and also objected to merging with Swansea on the grounds they did not want to inherit 50% of the All Whites' debts.
Moffett responded by producing the £2.3m figure and suggesting Llanelli were in no position to make too much noise about debt.
But Llanelli chief executive Stuart Gallacher said: "The club is disappointed to hear David Moffett's accusation that Llanelli owes the WRU £2.3m. His actions have
damaged the club. Creditors, supporters and players have all reacted with natural concern. We have checked the current financial position between the WRU and Llanelli RFC and the truth is they owe us more money than we owe them."
*Gloucester have confirmed they have asked players to consider a pay cut to help with a financial crisis at Kingsholm, managing director Ken Nottage said.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
