Gaffney's tough decision means Payne for Horgan
Gaffney took a tough decision yesterday to drop Anthony Horgan on the left wing, but insisted it was the right one.
"It was hard because Anthony has been a great servant and is a quality player. I just felt that Shaun's current form had to be rewarded. He has played brilliantly this season, whether as a full back or wing, and he is also capable of lining out in the centre. He just gives us a few more options at this point in time."
Payne has extensive experience of Heineken Cup competition and apart from the games he has played with Munster lined out 22 times over four seasons for Swansea before his transfer to Ireland. He also played Super 12 and has been a model of consistency throughout his career.
Gaffney has retained Horgan on the bench and believes he could still have a role to play in today's game. "Looking at the bench, we're fairly well equipped. Jason Holland can cover a couple of positions and be brings certain attributes to the game that maybe we could need. We all know that Anthony is also capable of winning matches by himself, a great strike runner who knows where the line is. It's good to have guys like that in reserve."
Former All Black Christian Cullen is the one Munster player to make a Heineken Cup debut and Gaffney is confident he can make an impact.
"It's also a first for him on the basis that he plays in the same back division as Ronan O'Gara. They worked very well together in training and we hope they can translate that understanding into the match situation."
O'Gara is ready for the challenge, according to Gaffney. "He had full contact sessions earlier in the week and has had no problem kicking the ball either in the last couple of days. We look forward to a big one from him."
Gaffney dismissed the view that Stade Francais will be fatally weakened by the loss of Augustin Pichot, the Argentinean scrum half, who was forced out through injury.
"He has to be a loss but we have already seen his replacement, Gregory Mahe, on a couple of occasions this season. He gives a good clean service to his outside backs, likes to snipe a bit and has a good kicking game as well. It's no shame being number two to Pichot, so we will be just as much on guard facing him as we would any other player."
Meanwhile, Stade Francais lock David Auradou has identified the lineout as the most crucial area of play in his side's quest for Heineken Cup glory at Thomond Park this afternoon.
He will be looking for a repeat of the aggressive display that Stade produced in Welford Road earlier in the campaign when the French successfully battered the much-vaunted Leicester jumpers into submission en route to what he describes as "a famous win".
"This is an area where we must take Munster on and win. Munster can access four players as options in the line out and they have great lifters as well as jumpers. We can't afford to sit back and allow them to dominate so we have got to attack them there.
"With so many internationals in the Munster side, we're really taking on an Irish pack who will be well drilled and who have a range of calls we will have to monitor.
"The one thing we have noted about Munster is the way the individuals play for one another. It's always a real team effort with everyone giving 100 per cent and never taking a backward step.
"Sometimes you go to meet talented teams with star players but few of them play with the determination we have seen from Munster over the last few seasons. The Heineken Cup appears to be their type of competition. Some of their results have been amazing when you consider what they had to do to win and to qualify. They are truly a remarkable side.
"We must match Munster in attitude because they truly believe that miracles are possible and are living proof that this is the case. In terms of the match, we have to ensure that our first line of defence is totally solid because Munster have game-breakers in several positions."
But Auradou believes Stade Francais are capable of the impossible as well. "We only have the Heineken Cup to play for now this season. Munster have proved themselves invincible at Thomond Park and it would be great to put an end to that record."
Yet, coach Nick Mallett admits that it will be a huge ask to bring Munster crashing down to earth. "Munster's record over four years could be a crucial factor in this match. They will fight as hard to keep it going as we will to crack it."
Consistency, he said, had been critical to Munster's success over the last few years.
"In that time there have been many changes within the Stade Francais squad but Munster has the benefit of a settled squad.
"The changes these past four years have been minimal and they would appear to have bought in very wisely.
"Apart from the obvious benefit of having a settled squad, Munster's record speaks for itself, two finals and two semi finals in that time.
"They're used to the big occasion, they know every inch of the ground at Thomond Park and they will be cheered on by a huge and very passionate group of supporters. We will have to be at our very best if we hope to escape from this one."
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