Munster ‘A’ braced for different final challenge

The next generation of Munster rugby stars will be unveiled at Musgrave Park on Friday (5.30pm) when the province contests their second British and Irish Cup final in three years, against Welsh club Cross Keys.

The kick-off time was out of the home side’s control and Munster ‘A’ coach Ian Costello is naturally worried the province’s full fan base won’t be around to cheer his side on.

However, Costello is happy to have reached the decider. Several months ago they lost an opening tie to Cornish Pirates, the team that defeated them in the decider in the inaugural competition three years ago.

Munster lost that game in injury-time but went on to salvage their season by beating Ayr in another hotly contested encounter in Tralee before accounting more readily for Neath and Moseley.

The fact they picked up a winning bonus point in that final game gave them their ticket to the knockout stages, and they kicked on from there with classy away victories against Ulster and Leinster.

However, Costello watched Cross Keys in action playing in the Welsh league last season and is under noillusions about the size of the taskfacing his charges. “I have great time for this competition because it offers a huge challenge for our players,” said Costello.

“It is a very important part of preparation for our squad; the first year going to Cornish Pirates for the final was a challenge in the environment they (Pirates) created and it was a big learning curve for the boys.

“Cross Keys will provide a different type of challenge; we don’t get the opportunity to play against these types of teams that often; of course we play against Leinster, and we know them very well, Ulster, they’re young, we’re young, but this gives guys a lot more experience against teams that have been around a long time.”

This is the competition that Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony and recently inducted senior player Mike Sherry cut their teeth on not much more than 12 months ago, and Costello expects more high quality players to be produced as a result of this successful run to the final.

It will though, said Costello, be a huge challenge.

“The team we’re playing will have been around longer, they’re probably an average of three or four years older, a big strong physical side, a huge pack, and they play some good rugby as well.

“They’re the type of team we have struggled against, so it will be veryinteresting on Friday night to see how far we have progressed.”

Meanwhile, Leinster and Munster play the 100th junior interprovincial between the provinces in Edenderry RFC on Saturday (4pm).

Adding to the historic nature of the tie, the host club celebrates its 60th anniversary on the day and will host the Junior 2 Towns Plate final between Newbridge and Tullow at 6pm.