Booth hoping to dispatch of Toulon in 'Group of Death'

London Irish intend to send Jonny Wilkinson and company packing tomorrow in the same fashion as Munster made their Madejski Stadium exit two months ago.

Pool Three in this season’s Heineken Cup, as widely predicted, is shaping up to be the tightest group as the quarter-final race gathers momentum.

Just two points separate leaders Munster and Wilkinson’s Toulon in fourth, suggesting a fight to the finish when the pool stage concludes next month.

While the Ospreys head to Limerick tomorrow, Irish know they must make home advantage count against a Toulon side packed with ex-Premiership players, including Wilkinson and former Exiles wing Paul Sackey.

But having defeated Munster 23-17 in their tournament opener, it is not a challenge that should prove beyond them.

“The ’group of death’ is going to be an interesting one to watch over the next two weeks,” said Irish head coach Toby Booth.

“Things are standing pretty much equal, with each team having won its first home game.

“Back on our home turf this weekend we will be looking to put in a repeat of our strong performance against Munster. We’ve trained hard this week, are focused and all out to win.”

Booth welcomes back Samoan wing Sailosi Tagicakibau following his injury troubles this term as Irish look to end a run of five successive defeats in all competitions.

The Ospreys are without injured Wales backs Lee Byrne and Shane Williams at Thomond Park, but flanker Marty Holah’s successful appeal against a two-week ban means he is free to pack down in the back-row alongside Jerry Collins and Jonathan Thomas.

“Our squad is a very experienced one,” said Ospreys forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys.

“The players have experienced winning Grand Slams and playing in front of big crowds, and as we saw last season they have the know-how to go to places like Munster and win big games (in the Magners League).

“We had a good win against Edinburgh last week that made it four successive wins, but we know there is definitely room for improvement.”