WHEN one thinks back over the many European Cup fixtures played abroad by Munster, there is always one that stands out for the wrong reason.
For this writer, it was a Heineken Cup quarter final in Stradey Park in Llanelli, Wales, back in March 2007.
Much had been expected of that Munster squad, having lifted the trophy for the first time the previous season, but injuries proved costly and they lost 27-17.
This Saturday’s visit to France (kick-off 3.15pm) provides similarities, and while all the current talk has been devoted to the number of injuries (the latest of which will rule lock Jean Kleyn out for the season) Munster have had to deal with, it is now only the performances of the upcoming matchday selection over the 80 minutes that really matter.
Toulon, winners of the Challenge Cup last season, have also lost a key player of late with the powerful Charles Ollivon picking up a quad injury.
There may be a few positives for Munster coming into this meeting with Toulon, who are currently interested in signing England star Courtney Lawes.
The home club will have only a six-day recovery period to prepare and the unexpected Top 14 weekend loss to Montpellier will hardly have boosted their confidence.
Munster will name their squad this lunchtime (Thursday) and coach Graham Rowntree summed up the situation regarding Peter O’Mahony, who is currently in contract negotiations with the IRFU.
“I suspect Peter will be in the mix for the Toulon game. We’ve not rushed him back, but on each occasion he’s not been quite ready and his return got pushed back. The off week, with no game last weekend, was good so we’ll assess him for this coming game,” Rowntree said.
This is a particularly important game for Munster’s season and if they can come away with a victory and a bonus point, they could well be in with a qualification shout when Northampton visit Thomond Park on Saturday week.
Toulon are beatable and have shown a drop in form recently.
Never rule out Munster in this European competition, even without their first-choice players, and it would not be the first time that the underdog tag was well and truly trod on.
A word of warning for Munster however, as Toulon’s two defeats in this competition were close, losing to Northampton 22-19 and to Exeter by a single point 18-19 with the last kick of the match.
This time they will want to get a home win.
