Munster’s new partnership the centre of attention for McGahan

THE one obvious decision facing Munster coach Tony McGahan as he ponders his team for Saturday’s Heineken Cup clash with Italian side Benetton Treviso at Thomond Park is whether to continue with the midfield axis of New Zealander Lifeimi Mafi and South African Jean De Villiers.

On paper, it sounds like a dynamic partnership and no doubt it will come good. However, after the team’s recent defeats against Leinster in the Magners League and Northampton in the Heineken Cup, it could be that McGahan just hasn’t the time to wait.

Manager Shaun Payne addressed the situation last night: “Mafs and Jean obviously hadn’t had many games together,” he pointed out. “They are two quality players, no one is questioning that. It’s just taking the lads a little bit of time to settle. And I’m very positive that it will happen. They are two of our more skilful players. Ideally we would have liked a game or two more at the minimum. I’m sure we’ll be better this week having got a really tough game under our belts last weekend.”