O'Connell: Munster's strongest squad ever ready for battle

It could mark another milestone in Munster's push to reclaim the Heineken Cup and confirm their

official ranking as the best in Europe or today's final whistle at Kingsholm might be seen by some

as the end of an era for the province with the most passionate fans in the game.

The 2006 European Cup winning captain Anthony Foley, who has already indicated he will be hanging up his boots at the end of the season, finds himself on the bench today and the Killaloe native will be alongside Peter Stringer who is no longer the first choice scrum half for province and country.

An estimated 4,000 Munster fans have managed to secure tickets for the encounter against Gloucester and given the names amongst the replacements it will come as no surprise to hear

that Munster captain Paul O'Connell regards this as the strongest squad ever.

O'Connell's also acutely aware of the main dangers posed by Gloucester.