Dallaglio: we can silence Thomond roar

WASPS need to do what only Leicester have ever done before and storm Munster’s fortress Thomond Park to guarantee a home Heineken Cup quarter-final.

The complicated permutations from the so-called ‘group of death’ mean a narrow draw could also end up being enough for the defending champions to progress — but Wasps are not prepared to rely on technicalities.

Captain Lawrence Dallaglio’s men ensured their European fate remains in their own hands with a destructive 40-7 victory over a shadow Llanelli Scarlets side.

Wasps had wrapped up the bonus point by half-time and ended the day top of Pool Five, three points ahead of Munster who were beaten 26-19 by Clermont Auvergne in a tempestuous clash at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

Leicester are the only side to have ever beaten Munster at Thomond Park in the Heineken Cup.

Dallaglio said: “It is a huge challenge but we are aiming to be the second.

“I always thought it would come down to the wire. We are looking forward to a great game and we have to make sure it is us that go through.

“The experience of playing Munster at Thomond Park will be unique.”

Dallaglio once again voiced his frustration at the Heineken Cup seeding system, which grouped three of Europe’s biggest clubs together and could see two of them bow out before the knockout stages.

Dallaglio said: “It is unfortunate because all three sides have played some good rugby but that is the reality we face. There are slightly easier groups where second-placed teams will go through. It needs sorting out. You want to see the best sides go through and that is not always going to happen. I think we all agree the competition possibly needs reviewing but it is still very exciting.”