THE new competitive season kicks off this Saturday night for Munster rugby. The new look Magners league has a new TV home also. This Saturday’s game will be live on RTE2 which should be an experience in itself.
Munster finished last season with a run of four successive defeats in all competitions. The Munstermen have won their last seven games at Musgrave Park since Glasgow won there, 21-18, in the Magners League on 10 May 2008.
Munster have also won all nine previous encounters they have had against Italian teams in all competitions. This weekend’s opposition, Aironi Rugby, are a brand new team and duly become the 23rd different team to participate in the Magners League.
Some familiar faces will be lining out for the new Magners league ‘All Blacks’. Former Munster forward Nick Williams has moved to the Italian side who will boast such names as Aguero, Bortolami, Del Fava, Demas, Laharrague, Sole and Ongaro.
Munster are expected to field a similar side to the one which defeated Gloucester last weekend at Musgrave Park.
Denis Leamy is expected to lead the side once more from number eight, while Irish internationals, Johne Murphy, Peter Stringer and Tony Buckley are also due to feature. This weekend’s game will also mark the first home competitive debut of new Munster signing Sam Tuitupou.
The Red Army face Aironi Rugby this week before travelling to face Edinburgh next Friday night at Murrayfield. Munster’s first outing at Thomond Park will be the Ospreys tie on September 18.
Click here to see the sides that will take to the field for the season opener in Musgrave Park.
