MUNSTER head coach Tony McGahan named his team this week ahead of his side’s European Cup clash with the current French champions, Perpignan in Thomond Park this Friday night 8pm.
Captain and second row lock, Paul O’Connell, reported that he came through two good training sessions and had recovered from “cramp and stiffness” in his calf. O’Connell noted that “everything feels good” regarding his availability for the ERC 3 fixture. However, the Limerickman noted that his side’s form of late was “something that we have to get right”.
He added; “We would rather be playing good rugby at the moment and this weekend is our chance to do it. This is a very strong French side and they are the Top 14 champions who have a big scrum and are a strong mauling side. This will be a tough challenge -one that we expect to be very similar to the Clermont matches. They can take this both ways through the forwards or the backs Perpignan are a strong force and with the final in Paris next year, they will be very much up for it”.
McGahan echoed his captain’s sentiments regarding the opposition for this Friday’s clash, the first of a back to back series with the French team, but noted that patience would be key in taking them on Perpignan.
“There’s a very positive environment in the camp at the moment and we will have to build on that for Friday. The majority of the French challenge will come through their forwards so the breakdown area will be extremely contested and patience will be key. Our support play will have to be excellent.”
The Australian born head coach noted that Munster’s current disciplinary record was something that was “unacceptable at the moment”, and was being addressed. He added that last week’s loss of two players to the sin bin was something that was always going to make winning the game very hard.
As expected, Denis Leamy and David Wallace feature in the backrow with Alan Quinlan who noted that it’s “Heineken Cup games like this that are similar to test match standard” when referring to the intensity that they bring.
“Perpignan are a tough side and the physicality will be intense.” Noting that the side has played in patches and their need to improve form, Quinlan added that the side had a “good buzz in camp” but they were very much “focusing on the game ahead and the challenge it posed. The focus is to get out of the group and Friday is another step – we can’t just turn up to Thomond Park and turn it on expecting to win.”
