Gloucester want it loose, so let's not facilitate them

FOR years in Europe, Munster have thrived on the underdogtag which inspired famous victories against opposition deemed by neutrals to be far superior.

If one game buried that notion forever, it was the miracle match in Thomond Park against Saturday’s Heineken Cup quarter-final opponents, Gloucester. Then, as now, they sat at the summit of the much vaunted English Premiership.

It seems somewhat ironic, therefore, that at the very moment Munster are officially confirmed as Europe’s No 1 team the Cherry and Whites stand between them and another Heineken cup semi-final.

While Munster are the envy of many and seen as the role model in terms of developing a club brand, the shoe is very much on the other foot now as all European teams raise their game against Munster.

Despite the magnificent facelift that Kingsholm has undergone in recent years the famed Shed is still very much part and parcel of this famous rugby ground. Fully cognisant of the role played by Munster’s magnificent travelling army, every home ticket has been guarded and traced to ensure that the visiting support is kept to an absolute minimum.

On the field we are set for a battle royale. Munster’s preparations have gone very much to plan since the squad reassembled after Ireland’s international campaign with victories over Ulster and Connacht.

While Munster have reason to be satisfied with their two most recent performances, Gloucester’s form guide is not nearly as impressive having lost five of their last nine games, the most recent against lowly Worcester last Saturday. That said their record in Kingsholm is far more impressive, losing only two of their last 25 home games.

After a disappointing Six Nations, Munster’s international contingent will be champing at the bit to renew their love affair with this outstanding competition. While much will be made of the legendary Shed in the build up, such is experience in this Munster squad that they will thrive in such a hostile atmosphere. Why not? After all it reminds them of home.

It is also worth recalling that Munster qualified from the most difficult pool in the history of this competition to get to this stage. That was achieved despite the fact that Paul O Connell was unavailable for all six pool matches. The fact that he is now back in the mix will only serve to make their pack even more competitive.

In times past a lack of impact from the bench thwarted Munster’s efforts on the European stage when pitted against the likes of Toulouse and Leicester at the knockout stages. Now with a bench likely to contain forwards of the quality of Tony Buckley, Frankie Sheehan, Mick O’Driscoll, Anthony Foley and possibly Donncha Ryan, this is no longer a factor.

With Denis Leamy and David Wallace both recovered from the injuries they picked up against England, the selection of the back row will pose a serious headache for Kidney. For me, Alan Quinlan’s athleticism and lineout ability ensures that he must be included. Picking two from Foley, Wallace and Leamy will be more difficult but on the firmer surfaces at this time of year the likelihood is that Foley, so influential when recalled to the side for the pool games against Clermont Auvergne and Llanelli will lose out.

ENSUING that Munster get the balance right in that break away unit is crucial as Gloucester have an outstanding trio in Scottish Six Nations sensation Alasdair Strokosch, new England cap Luke Narraway and Fijian World Cup star Akapusi Qera.

Even allowing for the return to fitness of Wallace and Leamy, the most satisfying aspect of last Friday’s performance in Galway was the fact that Rua Tipoki successfully negotiated 25 minutes of action on such a heavy sod. While his back injury is still a cause for concern one hopes that he will receive a clean bill of health for Saturday.

Tipoki’s return allied with the outstanding form of Lifeimi Mafi and the fact that Doug Howlett has found his try scoring touch in Munster colours offers all kinds of possibilities out wide. The presence and form of that New Zealand trio has not only brought a smile to the face of Ronan O’Gara but has also presented him with the tools to display his complete array of skills. Pigeon-holed as a kicker, O’Gara offers so much more with his outstanding distribution skills.

HIS tactical approach to this game holds the key to Munster’s success. Despite the temptation to run more than kick given the quality of a back line that is likely to feature Denis Hurley at full back, O’Gara must ensure that this game does not become too loose.

Gloucester have an abundance of pace out wide and their renowned try scoring feats in the Premiership and Heineken Cup this season have featured numerous scores from opposition turnovers.

While Iain Balshaw and Lesley Vainakolo are notoriously poor going backwards, in tandem with Ryan Lamb, Anthony Allen and James Simpson-Daniel they are lethal on the counter-attack. This is a cause of concern for Munster as they have conceded far too many turnovers, 23 against Ulster alone, in recent games.

In order to subdue the Cherry and Whites attacking flair, Munster must return to basics and dominate up front. Gloucester’s front five, despite the presence of Italy’s Marco Bortolami in the second row, are nothing to write home about. With Marcus Horan and John Hayes having an outstanding season from a scrummaging prospective, Munster must establish the ground rules and dominate the set piece.

Gloucester will thrive on a fast, open game and it is imperative that Munster don’t give it to them.

Overall this Gloucester side has shown unusual brittleness this season. Munster are mentally stronger — a factor of vital importance in a game of this magnitude away from home.

Just for the record, I am tired of reading that Munster have never won in Kingsholm. While they lost on their two previous Heineken Cup appearances, Munster did beat Gloucester 28-16 and manage to silence a packed Shed on a September evening in 1986. I know because I was there.

Last year, Munster surrendered their Heineken Cup crown with a poor performance at this stage of the tournament at Stradey Park. I don’t see that being repeated on this occasion and fancy that Munster will be joined in the semi- finals by the Ospreys, Toulouse and London Irish.