THIS is Magners League week seven for Munster. The Red Army are currently in sixth spot having won three and lost three. Munster have slipped to successive defeats in the Magners League, but at home the champions continue to be formidable with 10 straight victories at their two grounds in all competitions. This weekend’s opponents are Ulster and Munster fans will need no reminder of how that tie went last season. A certain Darren Cave made Munster wish they had not turned up.
This weekend’s game once again sees Munster without some of their injured stars. Marcus Horan is taking more tests this week, but signs are good he should return soon, having been named in the Ireland squad this week. Jerry Flannery is still out with a calf injury, while John Hayes is suspended. The injury list also includes Jeremy Manning, Dave Ryan and Doug Howlett.
On the positive side, Barry Murphy is fit and well and might just feature on Saturday night.
The performances over the last number of weeks have not been particularly good. Munster manager Shaun Payne does not see this stage of the season as being ideal, but there is certainly “no need to panic”. “If we were to lose this weekend we would be very disappointed. We know that with the break coming for ‘A’ and full internationals this weekends game is a massive one for us. The performance and result is key”. If this game even needed some more motivation, it will come in the form of Ulster being atop the Magners League as well as acting as an Irish trial. Especially in the back row department.
With players struggling for form, Payne seems to think that last season has thought the players a valuable lesson. “Medals and trophies are not won in the Autumn. We need to make sure we are competitive in all competitions and we feel we can be. We are top of our Heineken Cup pool and we are looking forward to a good game on Saturday.”
With the non international players having a month off in November expect some high paced rugby on Halloween night. Lets hope Munster have a few trick and or treats for Ulster.
