Gaffney and Munster bid for revenge

Alan Gaffney is in his first season as Munster’s Director of Rugby and coach – but, just like his players, he suffered at Leicester hands during the 2001 / 2002 tournament.

For the Munster players it was the heartbreak of a 15-9 Millennium Stadium defeat in the final last May. For Gaffney – then the Leinster assistant coach – it was the pain of a 29-18 quarter-final defeat at Welford Road.

Gaffney goes back to Welford Road on Sunday admitting “I guess you could say I have struck a double whammy with this quarter-final draw.

“Among my Heineken memories – though probably not a happy one – is Leinster playing Leicester in last season’s quarter-finals at Welford Road. I know from experience that to beat them at Welford Road you have to be at the top of your form.”

The repeat of last season’s final, which is sure to draw a crowd on RTE on Sunday, will see Munster bidding to make it through to the semi-finals for the fourth successive season.

“Sunday will be a great challenge for both teams and it should be a great contest,” said Gaffney. “Both sides have had very good years to date – though Leicester probably not so much as normal within the Zurich Premiership – but they are always a great force to be reckoned with as is evident by the contribution they make to the England national team.

“Playing at Welford Road is an enormous advantage to Leicester. But Munster have proved they can travel well. Both sides seem to be in good form and Leicester are unquestionably one of the top sides in Europe, despite their form in the Premiership.”

Munster ended new Powergen Cup winners Gloucester’s dream of European glory with a stunning 33-6 Pool victory and a repeat in meeting the Leicester pack head on will be vital to their last four hopes.

“Our preparations have been quite sound, we have had a lot of players back from injuries and we will go in with a fully armed side,” said Gaffney.

“However, just like Leicester, there are a number who are battered and bruised from the internationals – though there will be no excuses from Munster, whichever way it goes.

“Key areas in the game will obviously will be in the set pieces. The Leicester set piece has been astounding over the years – they have an exceptional line-out with Kay, Johnson and Corry, while our line-out has improved quite significantly from where it has been.

“The scrum will be another strong contest. I have seen Leicester a number of times and with Rowntree, West and Garforth you have to expect a great contest. We are looking forward to that, just as we did when we played Gloucester.

“Behind the scrum should be quite exciting. Both teams have shown they like to throw the ball around and whilst we are reasonably structured about the way we play, we do like to give the ball some air.

“Maybe the side that wins the game will need that little bit of luck – the rub of the green on the day.”