Harlequins need massive attack to stop Shannon flowing

All-Ireland League Division One Final: Attitude and spirit are cherished qualities for any team in sport, especially when allied to quality. Andre Bester's decision to leave Belfast Harlequins for Rotherham during the season following a successful spell with the Ulster club could have been a body blow to a team with ambition.

It wasn't, as the Belfast side made a commitment to each other and then thrashed Buccaneers in the very next outing.

DC Gillespie took up the coaching reins - Andy Ward and Neil Doak take over next season - and the club muscled their way into the semi-finals.

A trip to an in-form Garryowen was hardly a promise of further progress but Harlequins edged past the Limerick club 15-8, the second time this season they did so at Dooradoyle.

Central to that victory was outhalf Ian Humphreys, a young brother of Ireland outhalf David, who produced a superb individual performance.

The similarities between the siblings in terms of style of play are striking, although the younger model is left-footed while his elder bother is right-footed.

Gifted going forward, Ian Humphreys is blessed with great pace, balance and a superb kicking game, a fact recognised by the Leicester Tigers, for whom he'll play next season.

The young outhalf thrived at the recent Sevens World Cup in Hong Kong, where he captained the national side. He won't settle for the mundane, a thought that probably scares team-mates and the opposition alike.

Defence is still an issue but he is a player with the tools not alone to play but also to thrive in international rugby. He is the talisman to whom Harlequins will look and is likely to be the catalyst if the team does well.

There are other accomplished players behind the scrum, notably fullback Jonny Lowe and South African centre WP Strauss, while the big pack is noted for its mauling ability.

The fact Harlequins have put five forwards on the bench highlights the type of contest they're expecting. They'll be able to call upon Ulster hooker Rory Best and former Ireland under-21 tighthead Declan Fitzpatrick.

Shannon are seeking a seventh AIB League crown, are contesting their third final in four years and, in just about everyone's eyes, are strong favourites.

Mick Galwey is in his first season as coach and has nurtured a young, exciting team who like to use the full expanse of the pitch. Injury concerns to centre Brian Tuohy, wing Fionn McLoughlin and scrumhalf Fiach O'Loughlin appear to have evaporated.

Galwey has shown faith in the players who have got Shannon to this stage of the season and not replaced them with provincially contracted players. Tuohy is the pick of a talented, young backline, while Tom Hayes capably leads the pack.

Eddie Halvey can still shine at this level. The backrow trio offers a marauding presence in the loose and in Stephen Keogh they have a player who can take a more direct course if required.

Harlequins will need to produce a monumental performance up front and pretty much avail of every opportunity. Shannon were forewarned in defeat at the Grafton Arena and it's difficult to see them being caught out a second time.

SHANNON: D O'Donovan; I Dowling, B Tuohy, E Cahill, F McLoughlin; D Delaney, F O'Loughlin; L Hogan, N Conroy, T Buckley, E Halvey, T Hayes, C McMahon, J O'Connor, S Keogh.

BELFAST HARLEQUINS: J Lowe; P McKenzie, G Mitchell, WP Strauss, S Wilson; I Humphreys, A Matchett; J Carey, N Hanna, J Andress, M Mustchin, L McGowan, S Lamb, D Dougherty, C McCarey.