Humphreys: Playing Munster the closest thing to Test rugby
The former Welsh front rower, now forwards coach with the Ospreys, hopes to oversee the sixth straight win for his club – just 14 hours after Wales play Ireland in the Rugby World Cup!
Humphreys says both countries’ World Cup clash is adding to the anticipation.
“We’re both chasing glory here at home, and the boys from both camps are doing well Down Under. Additionally, Alun Wyn Jones is one of our players representing Wales and Paul O’Connell is playing for Ireland. They’re two fantastic players who are cornerstones of their respective packs and they’re both British and Irish Lions so there are a good few similarities there.
“Paul has been outstanding for Ireland and has been a main ball carrier for them but I’m sure Alun Wyn, having been rested against Fiji, will be raring to go. In what should be an extremely close game, hopefully Alun Wyn will get the best of the battle.”
Humphreys is expecting an equally taxing challenge in Thomond Park, notwithstanding the fact that the Ospreys have broken their Limerick hoodoo with victory on the ground.
Still, after a hard-fought home win over Connacht, he is expecting it to be extremely difficult to enhance that winning run.
“We’ve been successful there in the last couple of seasons, but it won’t be easy. Munster have built a real history there; the stadium is a very hard place to go to and win, and they’re obviously doing something right. In terms of a challenge away from home, it’s probably the closest thing to Test rugby you can get.”
Although both sides will be under-strength given the numbers on international duty, Humphreys still expects a close-run issue.
“There are guys on both sides with plenty of experience,” he said: “Peter Stringer has been outstanding and Mick O’Driscoll is always fantastic for them. No matter what, they always seem to pull out very competitive back rowers.
“You don’t see a difference in attitude or approach from when the Irish internationals are there or not. They’re a very physical side and play on the edge of legality, but that’s what you expect.
“In the backs there’s Mafi (Lifeimi), Doug Howlett and Keatley (Ian) at 10 who played very well against the (Cardiff) Blues. They appear to be as strong as ever; I saw the game against the Blues and that shows Munster have the ability to get wins when they are out of the game.”
Humphreys said the influence of the home crowd could not be underestimated.
“It’s extremely noisy at Thomond Park and not something we always come across much in the league. It’s something you have to contend with; the fans are very passionate and the team itself have a great ability to do something special when under the cosh.
“You also hope that you’ve got a strong referee in Thomond Park, because it’s a pretty intimidating place to be for a ref; not only have you (ref) got the crowd on your back but up to 15 Munster players also trying to ref the game!”
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