Connacht v Munster:THREE POINTS adrift of league leaders Glasgow Warriors, Munster can ignite their campaign with a comprehensive defeat of Connacht despite the loss of a number of their front-line players.
Denis Leamy is probably gone for the season while the IRFU edict of player control as part of the 2011 World Cup preparation programme means Paul O’Connell, Donncha O’Callaghan, John Hayes (who will be pushing 38 when the trip to New Zealand rolls around), David Wallace, Keith Earls and Tomás O’Leary are all withdrawn.
The presumption is that the cavalry will come charging back for the January 2nd trip to Ravenhill.
It gives Connacht a chance. The Scarlets and Blues are three and five points ahead of them so this is a chance for outgoing coach Michael Bradley to reach the long-term goal of making the Heineken Cup play-offs. With the Scarlets out of European contention it looks like they will redouble their efforts in the league making it difficult to see Connacht, with all those internal obstacles considered, to ever make the great leap.
There was no squad from the western province at the time of writing.
Munster coach Tony McGahan will field the strongest side available with Felix Jones looking a candidate for fullback after impressive performances for Shannon. Jean de Villiers should come back in after his display of power and pace in crossing for the third Munster try in Perpignan last Sunday. Ronan O’Gara should re-form his partnership with Peter Stringer at half-back.
Connacht will hold pace with a largely shadow Munster pack – Marcus Horan and Jerry Flannery are also out with illness and injury – but there should be enough coming O’Gara’s way, coupled with his renewed confidence, for the hosts to give the fatted local bellies plenty to enjoy.
Munster may be weakened but the good vibes around the province since the epic thrashing of the French champions should transfer into this performance.
Connacht have won three of their last four matches including back-to-back wins against Worcester Warriors but the crucial statistic to note is no one has come down and won in these parts for 12 games. A disjointed victory but victory nonetheless is expected from the champions.
MUNSTER – Backs: Scott Deasy, Denis Hurley, Felix Jones, Doug Howlett, Ian Dowling, Tom Gleeson, Lifeimi Mafi, Jean de Villiers, Paul Warwick, Ronan O’Gara, Duncan Williams, Peter Stringer. Forwards: Darragh Hurley, Wian du Preez, Julien Brugnaut, Denis Fogarty, Damian Varley, Mick Sherry, Tony Buckley, Mick O’Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan, Alan Quinlan, Billy Holland, Niall Ronan, Nick Williams, James Coughlan, Tommy O’Donnell.
Referee: A Rolland (IRFU).
Top try scorer – Munster: Nick Williams four. Connacht: Fionn Carr four.
Top point scorer – Munster: Jeremy Manning 30. Connacht: Ian Keatley 67.
Most recent meetings – April, Munster 25-10 Connacht; December 2008, Connacht 12-6 Munster.
Verdict – Munster to win.
