MUNSTER play the LLanelli Scarlets this Saturday (kick off at 15.40) in round three of the Heineken Cup. The first game in the back to back fixtures will see Munster look to defeat the current pool leaders who have been more than impressive in their first two games.
Ahead of the game, Munster have suffered some injuries blows. Doug Howlett is out for the rest of the season, Simon Zebo is a doubt, while Earls and Jones are still missing. The backline will once more be lead by Ronan O’Gara who will get his 100th cap.
“O’Gara is the type of player that everyone wants on the team. Even if he gets set backs in his career or even during the game he is going to come back stronger and want to be there for that clutch kick. He is a role model in mental strength for us all” commented Paul O’Connell.
The Corkman will lead a backline which could take the shape of Murray, O’Gara, Hurley, Mafi, Chambers, Barnes, Murphy. The Scarlets will look at Munster’s backline as the place where they feel they can get most change. The forward pack of the Welsh side, coached by former Irish international Simon Easterby, will look to move the Munster pack around the field to open up gaps for one of the most exciting backline in European Rugby.
The Scarlets are waiting on the fitness of Johnathan Davies and George North ahead of this weekend’s game. Munster coach Tony Mc Gahan has noted the back three to be the area where Scarlets are at their best.
“With players such as North, Liam Williams and Scott Williams we all saw, against Northampton, what they are capable of. It is going to be a really tough two weeks.”
The Munster squad, (named below) is full of forward power and that is where Munster will focus their energy. Once again, against the Ospreys last week, the Munster scrum improved. New addition this year, BJ Botha, thinks that the scrum is going to be as crucial as ever.
“The importance of the scrum cannot be underestimated. You have to have a very strong set piece to be at the business end of the Heineken Cup and any other competition for that matter.” The addition of Botha to the existing set up has given Munster a better platform to build off of this season. With O’Gara playing his 100th game in the Heineken Cup, Munster will once more look to play the 10 man rugby they have become masters at in the past.
MUNSTER rugby are coming to terms with the loss of Doug Howlett this week as the former All Black winger has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a ruptured achilles.
The loss of Howlett comes in a week when Peter Stringer join Saracens on loan to get some game time. With Keith Earls and Felix Jones still missing through injury, Munster will be light on the ground this weekend in the backline.
Simon Zebo, who would be best suited to replace Howlett, is a doubt for the Scarlets game too this week. The Cork Constitution winger twisted his ankle this week in training and it is now hoped he can make it through at least one session before the squad is announced.
Speaking this week about Howlett, Munster captain Paul O’Connell said that it will be a big loss, but Howlett could come back.
“Doug looks after himself well and with the way he trains there is every opportunity that he could come back. He trains hard, works hard and even though he will be a massive loss, there is no a chance for someone else. That is part of modern rugby”
Even though Howlett, Jones and Earls are all out injured at present, Munster coach Tony Mc Gahan confirmed this week that no new signing will be made as cover. However, Will Chambers contract could yet be extended.
Munster Squad for weekend:
Horan, Du Preez, Archer, Botha, Hayes, Varley, Fogarty, O’Callaghan, Ryan, O’Driscoll, Nagle, O’Connell, Holland, O’Mahony, Ronan, O’Donnell, Leamy, Coughlan, Murray, O’Leary, Barnes, Chambers, Zebo, Mafi, Hurley, Murphy, Gleeson.
