Reds rested and ready for Edinburgh battle

IT WAS during the Six Nations window last season when Munster cemented their position atop the Magners League table. Despite being without their international contingent, Tony McGahan’s side still posted three wins from three and notched 14 out of a possible 15 available points which went a long way to ultimate success in the Magners League.

Rested and recuperated following a short mid-season break before undergoing an intense week-long camp in Lanzarote, McGahan’s squad – minus its Ireland internationals – is primed to replicate the feats of last season starting against Edinburgh at a sold-out Musgrave Park tonight (8pm).

The names of Paul O’Connell, Ronan O’Gara, John Hayes et al may be absent from the match programme but McGahan has still picked a pretty formidable outfit for the visit of Edinburgh to Leeside with a backline that has tries written all over it.

Doug Howlett, Lifeimi Mafi, Jean de Villiers, Paul Warwick and Peter Stringer bring oceans of experience to the three-quarter line while the pack boasts a hard edge in Mick O’Driscoll, who captains the side from lock, Alan Quinlan, Marcus Horan and Tony Buckley.

“This is an opportunity for those lads to play,” said manager, Shaun Payne. “They haven’t really played since the Northampton game, but look at what happened last year: we came back from a similar set-up and had three great games in a row without the Six Nations group, which went a long way towards winning the Magners League. So we are hoping this camp (in Lanzarote) this year will give us a similar impetus.

“We’re not in as strong a position this season as we were at the same stage last season in the Magners League, so it makes it even more important. There are only those four spots available come the end of May. And obviously it would be a massive advantage to finish in the top two as well and secure a home semi. Not just for the team but financially as well. These next three games with that in view are vital.”

Meanwhile Edinburgh include four of those involved in the recent RBS Six Nations clash with Wales – Jim Hamilton, Alan MacDonald, Allan Jacobsen and Mike Blair – with the side captained by 24-year-old scrum half Greig Laidlaw who has just penned a new two year deal with the club.

“They are a very good side,” adds Payne. “Traditionally we do okay against them at home and struggle away. They will be a tough challenge. They can’t be taken lightly.”