Mallinder objects to schedule

RUGBY:NORTHAMPTON SAINTS coach Jim Mallinder has made an official complaint to the Heineken Cup organisers, the ERC, because his team have only a five-day turn around before meeting Munster in their Pool One decider at Thomond Park on Friday night.

It is the second time in succession Northampton have had only five days to prepare, while Munster will have had one day more. Mallinder claims he was forced to make a series of substitutions at Franklin’s Gardens after their bonus-point drubbing of Perpignan at the weekend in order to try to keep some of his players fresh for the visit to Limerick.

The Saints coach also says that in making his complaint, he also has the support of Premier Rugby.

“We were disappointed at only having five days between our last two games, especially as Munster got six,” he explained.

“It was because of the short turn around time that we made some of the substitutions in the second half.

“We wrote to ERC to explain why we were unhappy at the decision and Premier Rugby backed us up. But now we have to get on with it and we will go to Munster on the back of 10 wins in a row.”

Munster did not want to get involved in the issue or make any comment. It was, however, pointed out that the dates for the matches have been known for some time and the current complaint seemed timely.

Munster are two points clear at the top of the pool and Mallinder accepts only a win will earn them an automatic qualification place.

Northampton won Europe’s most coveted prize when they beat Munster 9-8 in the 2000 Twickenham final.

“The team has shown over the last few games that they have massive belief in themselves and we are on a good run,” added the coach.

“We will be going to Thomond Park looking for a victory and we have the belief we can win there. We have a pack who are competitive and we showed that when we beat Munster in the first round.

“You can’t afford to be intimidated going to a place like Thomond Park and you have to stand toe-to-toe with a side like Munster.”

The winner-takes-all match was set up after a maximum five-points win for both teams in round five, Munster winning 44-7 against Italian side Treviso, and Northampton beating reigning French champions Perpignan 34-0.

“I think this match is everything you want,” added Mallinder.

“When we saw the draw, we knew it would be difficult. But what we did want to do was play ourselves into a position where come round six we had something to play for and we have managed to do that so that is satisfying.

“We are going on the back of a good run. I think we are unbeaten in nine or 10 games and that is encouraging.”

There is some optimism that Ireland and Munster prop Marcus Horan could be part of the squad for this week’s game. Horan took part in Shannon’s AIL victory against Dolphin on Saturday and came through reporting no ill-effects.

Jerry Flannery has still not trained and will not be involved in the final pool game.

The Irish hooker has not lined out for Munster since they last played against Northampton on October 10th.