O'Callaghan expecting battle at Clermont

Ireland lock Donncha O'Callaghan is ready for another "hugely demanding" Heineken Cup assignment in France tomorrow when holders Munster tackle Clermont Auvergne.

O'Callaghan and company currently lead Pool One following victories over Montauban and Sale Sharks and look well placed to reach the quarter-finals.

Munster emerged from a fiendishly difficult group last season that included Clermont and 2007 European champions Wasps, so they will not be entering unknown territory.

Their task, though, has not been made any easier by an injury list that means they are without the likes of Rua Tipoki, Jerry Flannery and Denis Leamy this weekend.

O'Callaghan said: "Clermont will be looking to put one over on us for last season, when we effectively stopped them making the knockout stages.

"I have never played a game in France that wasn't hugely demanding, and this one will be right up there with internationals in terms of speed, intensity and physicality."

Clermont, who suffered a shock domestic defeat against French Championship strugglers Mont de Marsan last time out, welcome back international wing Aurelien Rougerie following a lengthy injury absence.

England forwards Michael Lipman and Matt Stevens both return to Bath's starting line-up against Recreation Ground visitors Glasgow in Pool Five tomorrow.

Bath need victory to keep the pressure on group leaders Toulouse, and they should not encounter too many problems, especially as Glasgow are without injured half-backs Dan Parks and Mark McMillan.

Last season's Scotland U-20 captain Ruaridh Jackson replaces Parks, starting at fly-half for the first time in his professional career.

Jackson said: "Dan Parks' kicking is pretty special, and I am really enjoying being able to work alongside him and learn from him every day.

"He's a pretty mentally strong guy - he never really lets things get to him too much.

"Another thing is his organisational skills. He is a great communicator on the pitch, and that is something I've paid particular attention to."

Glasgow head coach Sean Lineen added: "Ruaridh's been involved in just about all our games so far this season, and I've been very impressed with his attitude.

"I've always rated him very highly. He has a great temperament and wants to be the best he can be."

Glasgow, having already suffered defeats against Newport Gwent Dragons and Toulouse, must topple Bath to retain any realistic hope of progressing in the tournament.

One game in the European Challenge Cup tomorrow sees Bucuresti host Petrarca in Pool Three.

Both teams, though, appear to be playing merely for minor placings in a group dominated by Worcester and Bourgoin.