Ruddock shows faith despite loss

On one of the more momentous days in recent times, the news from the respective Leinster and Munster camps in advance of this weekend's second round of matches in the Guinness Interprovincials wasn't exactly spellbinding.

Munster have made one forced change: winger Mick Lynch replaces the injured Anthony Horgan, while Leinster remain unchanged for tomorrow night's clash with Ulster at Donnybrook.

Arguably, Leinster had more cause for change in light of their 31-20 defeat to the Munstermen in round one.

However, any temptation yesterday to ask whether this selection was a statement of faith, or a statement about the lack of alternatives within Leinster, was quickly dispelled by the attentive presence in the background of the entire Leinster squad quietly munching their lunch in Madigans of Donnybrook.

Besides, Mike Ruddock made a persuasive case for refuting any suggestion that his selection was made out of blind loyalty. Having outlined several instances during the game when Leinster had a winning chance up until 10 minutes to go, Ruddock explained: "The reason why we picked the same side was because the side was competitive".

"We felt we probably hadn't performed in a couple of areas and it was better to go away and work on those areas rather than make changes, given, after all, it was only the first game," added Ruddock. "It's quite a new combination so there are going to be occasions when we lack cohesion but we've worked hard this week, and we feel by selecting the same side we're giving them every chance to improve certain areas in their performance."

The Leinster coach pinpointed line-outs and kick-offs in particular, which, again, he attributed to the lack of understanding brought about by new combinations. Indeed, aside from the damage Leinster suffered in the general run of play in those areas, they conceded two converted tries off restarts.

Ulster have made an imposing start with their six tries to nil, 509 rout of Connacht last weekend, but Ruddock played down the specific challenge presented by the European champions. "All matches in the interpros are very competitive. Last year each province beat each other. Ulster are obviously a fine side and did superbly well to win the European Cup, but let's not forget that Munster won the interpro championship and at the same time we were in the driving seat at one stage.

"All the provinces are strong and all the games are of European standard now, especially with the top internationals returning from England. It augurs well for Irish rugby."

Ruddock also used the example of Leinster leading the table last season after four games, and Munster's ability to come "from two games down" as a means of lessening the consequences of Leinster losing on Friday evening and thereby possibly falling nine points or so adrift of the top two.

Ulster, as reigning European champions with several new drawcards such as Dion O'Cuinneagain, are bound to attract a sizeable crowd for the first Donnybrook Friday night of the season.

As Shane Byrne, one of the few Leinster players who can compare these occasions with previous damp squibs on Saturday afternoons at a ghostly Lansdowne Road, noted: "Friday nights have really taken off as far as the crowds are concerned and it's a great experience for the players."

"There is a big difference and it's great now to be the home side, and we want to knuckle down and get our home record 100 per cent this year," added Byrne, no doubt conscious that Leinster lost four of their six home games last season.

Upcoming squad selections and the forthcoming World Cup add extra spice, and pressure, to these encounters, an example of which tomorrow night is the presence of five internationals amongst the backrowers on view.

Not that Trevor Brennan would hold back anyway: "We're looking forward to it, especially myself and Victor challenging for spots coming up to the World Cup. I think basically this week it is a big challenge and we're looking to lift our game. Nothing else but a win is good enough for us on Friday night."

Lynch's selection on the wing for Munster, good footballer though he is (as his deft chip through for Munster's fourth try last Saturday indicated), underlines the relative dearth of wingers in the province. John Lacey, for example, the Shannon winger with an impressive try-scoring strike rate for club and province, is not long back in training following a groin strain.

An interesting selection amongst the replacements for Munster is that of Colm McMahon, the speedy Shannon flanker and sometime centre, who ostensibly comes in for Lynch as a potential impact sub in much the same way as he has done for Shannon. "He's a fantastic footballer and a great athlete," enthused Munster manager Brian O'Brien, "but he lacks the size to last 80 minutes in the coalface. So you utilise him to the best of his ability."

Munster: D Crotty; J O'Neill, J Kelly, M Mullins, M Lynch; R O'Gara, T Tierney; P Clohessy, K Wood, J Hayes, M Galwey (capt), J Langford, D Corkery, A Foley, D Wallace. Replacements (from) - C McMahon, Cian Mahony, J Holland, B O'Meara, F Sheehan, M Horan, S Leahy, A Quinlan.

Leinster: G Dempsey; J McWeeney, B O'Driscoll, G Gannon, D Hickie (capt); B Everitt, C Scally; R Corrigan, S Byrne, A McKeen, R Casey, M O'Kelly, T Brennan, V Costello, L Toland. Replacements - G Halpin, P Smyth, B Cusack, D O'Brien, D Hegarty, E Farrell P McKenna.