MUNSTER rugby face the Ospreys this weekend in what is a table topping battle in the Rabodirect Pro12. The many clashes between these sides in recent seasons tell us that this weekend is going to be as tight as ever.
Last weekend Munster’s young guns secured a home bonus point win over Edinburgh at Thomond Park. The young starlets of O’Dea, Zebo and Barnes all notched tries as Stephen Archer and co in the front row managed a penalty try to boot.
With the international players rested last weekend, Munster’s squad will take on a more familiar look this weekend. Some ‘experts’ out there would like to see youth given more of a chance, but with the Scarlets to come in back to back Heineken Cup fixtures, Munster should return to type this weekend.
In squad news, Denis Leamy and Donnacha Ryan, both unavailable for Munster last weekend, are expected to feature in the Munster squad for Liberty Stadium clash. Neither Leamy (hip) nor Ryan (foot) were considered for last weekend’s clash with Edinburgh. Messrs Murray and O’Gara should renew their partnership at nine and ten, while Doug Howlett, John Murphy and Lifeimi Mafi are all expected to play some role in the backline.
Ospreys have lost just one game in the RaboDirect PRO12 this season: 17-28 at Glasgow in round seven. Ospreys only home defeat in the tournament in the last twelve months was 20-22 to this weekend’s visitors, Munster, on 23 April.
Munster have won their last three matches in all competitions since their 19-24 reversal at the hands of Irish provincial rivals Leinster at Aviva Stadium on 4 November. Munster’s 17-13 defeat by Ospreys at Thomond Park in round six ended an eight game winning run by the Munstermen against the Welsh regions. The Irishmen won 22-20 on their most recent visit to Liberty Stadium on 23 April.
The game kicks off at 18.30 on Saturday and is live on RTE2.
