YOU cannot win the Heineken Cup in December, but you can lose it.
Munster face the Ospreys of Wales twice in quick succession in Pool 3 of the Heineken Cup and the results will shape the Red Army’s season.
Defeat in last season’s semi final to Biarritz was seen as a failure. The Munster team and their management are hungry again and Osprey could be on the menu.
In years gone by, this game would have been hard to predict. It was easier to predict the Irish bond market than it was to know which Ospreys team would turn up. Often the “Hairsprays” would arrive. More interested in nights out than rugby.
All that has changed now however. The Ospreys coach Sean Holley has long claimed that Munster are his template. Holley’s side are getting more and more consistent, just like Munster. The men from Wales are also becoming more adept at performing away from home in Europe, in big ties.
The Welsh All Blacks are the current Magners League champions, they have become battle hardened in Europe in the last few seasons and after an away win at Thomond Park last season, the Ospreys will not fear Munster.
For Munster, the back to back games in the Heineken Cup have always been a crucial part of the season. One win and one loss from the opening two rounds might have some sides worried, but Munster are still top. A home win on Sunday, (kick off 1pm) will see Munster open up a gap at the top, with the return leg coming six days later in the Liberty Stadium.
The Munster side is expected to show several changes from the starting line up against Cardiff last week. Coach Mc Gahan has some hard calls to make in several positions. The Aussie’s promise to play “in form” players will be tested this week. With Paul O Connell returning Munster are beginning to gain momentum on and off the field at a crucial time.
Selection headaches are a good thing to have for a coach, but Munster must pick a side to suit the conditions and the six day turnaround. Some picks will be harder than other. Du Preez/Varley/Leamy/O’Gara and Earls seem to be the only five who are guaranteed to start. O’Leary and Stringer will be as close a call as Warwick or Murphy. Howlett/Mafi or Hurley will look for wing berths. O’Connell/O’Callaghan and O’Driscoll will do battle for 4 and 5.
With such a wealth of talent, Munster will be favourites at home. The game itself will be close. Very close.
The Ospreys now know what to expect and Munster need to be more clinical than in the past. The new expansive game still os not quiet right. However, Munster do normally hit form in the dark days and nights of winter.
Here’s to another great Heineken cup fortnight.
