Injury-hit Scarlets hoping to leave Munster out in the cold

FINGERS are still firmly crossed that the current cold spell will not prevent Sunday’s Magners League game between Munster and Llanelli Scarlets at Musgrave Park from taking place.

The pitch has been covered and while contingency plans for a switch to Thomond Park have been put in place, the likelihood is the game will remain in Cork. A final decision will be made on Saturday and it is possible that the kick-off will be brought forward from 5pm to 2.30pm. The Scarlets have been made aware of the situation and should be in a position to alter their travel arrangements if necessary.

With the number of Welsh clubs in the Heineken Cup next year reduced from four to three, there is additional pressure on the four regions to finish as high up the Magners League table as possible. The Scarlets’ morale took a hammering in their back-to-back European ties against Leinster but they have since beaten the Dragons in the Magners League with coach Nigel Davies confident they can move on from there.