Robson prepared for ‘plenty of niggle’ against Munster

GEORGE ROBSON says he’s expecting “plenty of niggle” against Munster this weekend and the Harlequins lock insists they’re not daunted by the prospect of playing at Thomond Park.

Limerick will play host to tomorrow’s Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final between the sides, with a place in next month’s final against Stade Francais or Clermont Auvergne at stake. Harlequins have failed to win in three previous attempts at Thomond Park while Munster have lost just once in 41 European games at the venue.

“They’ve got passionate supporters at Thomond Park but we’re ready for that,” said 25-year-old Robson.

“It won’t be a problem for us. It’s known for being one of the most difficult places to go and get a result and that’s because they’ve got such a fantastic record there.

“But none of the lads fear going there. These are the places you want to play, it’s what you get involved in rugby for. We don’t see it as daunting, it’s exciting and we can’t wait for it.

“We’re going to have to go toe-to-toe with Munster and dog it out with them. It’s going to be physical and I’m expecting plenty of niggle from both sides. We’ve got to stand up and make ourselves counted.”

Robson also believes the Munster team won’t be significantly weakened by the absence of Paul O’Connell, whose participation remains in doubt due to an ankle injury.

“Paul O’Connell is one of the best second-rows in the world but it shows you just how strong the Munster squad is when they can bring in a replacement of the standard of Mick O’Driscoll,” added Robson.

“He’s a fantastic player. He’s had to sit on the bench and wait for his chance a lot of the time but he’s still managed to have such a brilliant career. If O’Connell is missing they might lose something on the leadership side of things, because he’s obviously a great captain for them and an inspirational leader.

“But in terms of quality, their team or their line-out certainly won’t be weakened by having O’Driscoll on the field.”

Meanwhile, Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care expressed his admiration for the man who’s likely to be his opposite number tomorrow. Having impressed in recent weeks, Conor Murray is expected to retain the Munster number nine shirt.

“I’ve only seen him play a few times because he’s only come on the scene recently but I’ve been impressed,” Care said.

“He’s clearly a very talented player. I know what it’s like to be a young player trying to make an impression. It wasn’t so long ago that I was in that position. It can be tough but he doesn’t seem to have had any difficulty so far. He looks very composed at this level.

“I know (Tomás) O’Leary has been injured but for the lad to be keeping a player of (Peter) Stringer’s experience and quality out of the team speaks volumes. There won’t be any chance of me underestimating him.”