Munster to retain their remarkable home record

It is unlikely that Munster coach Declan Kidney will permit anything other than total concentration for today's Heineken European Cup clash with Castres at Musgrave Park. He will have impressed upon his charges that while qualification for the quarter-finals may have been accomplished already, victory today, and as a result home advantage next weekend, would provide greater scope for further progression.

Kidney is renowned for attending to the minutiae. A keen student of facts, figures and permutations, it is arguable that few will have a better grasp of the myriad possibilities in identifying the eight quarter-finalists and the ensuing pecking order. While winning is the priority, the try tally will be significant for the home side.

They are in danger of finishing as the second best qualifier and therefore drawing the loser of the Stade Francais-Swansea game: it would represent a very tough assignment. Munster though are used to defying the accepted premise, offering teaklike resolve, character and determination in the pool matches to date.

It is those qualities, allied to the obvious ability of the team as a unit and individually, that should guarantee a Munster celebration, come 4.0 p.m. or thereabouts. They won't underestimate Castres, they won't be complacent, nor will they dare go through the motions. This team has fostered a winning culture and would not casually toss it away.

Pride of performance and the defence of a remarkable home record in European competition will banish any apathy. Castres are a better side than their record suggests.

The team contains eight internationals of varying nationality, the most acclaimed Irish second row Jeremy Davidson, Scottish playmaker Gregor Townsend and former French captain and hooker Raphael Ibanez.

One senses that the opening throes of the game may determine the nature of the ensuing contest. If Castres manage a good start, then that confidence could make them awkward opponents; if Munster settle quicker then the French spirit and resolution may not survive to the interval.

Peter Clohessy and John Hayes have both been struggling with injury recently and given forthcoming obligations with the national team next week and a European quarter-final that weekend, Kidney would love to withdraw one at the earliest possible juncture today. The pack will be expected to provide the customary platform up front.

John Langford was magnificent out of touch the last day and his battle with Davidson will be worth watching. Anthony Foley and Alan Quinlan both had fine games against Newport but it was David Wallace that proved the outstanding forward at Rodney Parade. All three will be aware that they could, as a combination, swap the red of Munster for the green of Ireland within a fortnight.

The halfbacks Peter Stringer and Ronan O'Gara will once again be charged to maximise possession, while Mike Mullins return to the centre offers greater variation to the focus of attack.

A home quarter-final tie beckons.

MUNSTER: D Crotty; J Kelly, M Mullins, K Keane, A Horgan; R O'Gara, P Stringer; P Clohessy, F Sheahan, J Hayes; M Galwey (capt), J Langford; A Quinlan, A Foley, D Wallace.

CASTRES: G Delmotte; F Plisson, O Sarramea, E Artiguste, P Garrigues; G Townsend, F Seguier; L Toussaint, R Ibanez, M Reggiardo; J Davidson (capt), F Laluque; J Diaz, T Labrousse, G Taussac.

Referee: C White (England).

Previous meetings: (2000-2001) Castres 29, Munster 32.

European Cup formguide: Munster v Newport (h) 26-18; v Castres (a) 32-29; v Bath (h) 319; v Bath (a) 5-18; v Newport (a) 39-24. Castres v Bath (a) 13-25; v Munster (h) 29-32; v Newport (a) 20-21; v Newport (h) 43-21; v Bath (h) 19-32.

Leading points scorer: Munster - R O'Gara 78. Castres - G Townsend 59.

Leading try scorer: Munster - A Horgan 5. Castres - G Delmotte 2.

Odds: 1/8 Munster, 16/1 draw, 9/2 Castres. (Handicap betting, Munster -13 pts) 9/10 Munster, 16/1 draw, 9/10 Castres.

Forecast: Munster to win.