Munster heart rules Everitt's head

European Cup Semi-final countdown: John O'Sullivan talks to a player who has worn both the red and blue about next Sunday's big game

Barry Everitt is aware of what it's like to wear the red of Munster and the blue of Leinster but there's no conflict of loyalties when it comes to Sunday's Heineken Cup semi-final at Lansdowne Road. "I'm a Tipperary man and Munster through and through."

Currently rehabilitating from ankle surgery, the London Irish outhalf, who has a year to go on his current contract, is looking forward to Sunday's game. Having spent the first 22 years of his life in Tipperary, educated first in Nenagh CBS and then St Munchin's College in Limerick, he played one season for Munster at senior level. He then switched to the Lansdowne club in Dublin, subsequently joining the Leinster set-up for a year before taking up a contract with London Irish.

"It's great that there will be an Irish province in the final first and foremost. It's a great thing for the sport and illustrates the strength in depth of rugby. This is emphasised by the fact that three of the four Irish provinces are leading the way in the Celtic League and also with what the national side achieved during the Six Nations Championship.

"As far as Sunday's match is concerned it seems a bit trite to suggest that it's going to be tight and tough but I can't see it being anything but that sort of game. Leinster's backline has been instrumental in getting them to this stage of the tournament. Some of the rugby they've played has been astounding, beyond belief. They have one of the best backlines in world rugby.

"Munster's pack is abrasive, strong and experienced but to simply dismiss the Munster backs and the Leinster pack is completely wrong. When Leinster beat Toulouse in their own backyard the pack were more than capable of holding their own against a vaunted Toulouse eight. They will have derived great confidence from that achievement."

What has impressed Everitt more than any other single factor is Leinster's ability to ruthlessly exploit any chances either created or presented: "Normally a team might create five or six scoring opportunities in a game and score two or possibly three but Leinster's strike-rate is much higher than that.

"In Toulouse, Leinster virtually took every chance presented and that takes some doing. Their ability to capitalise fully on turnovers constitutes a huge threat to any team they face. Munster have gone quietly about their job, the last truly stand out performance, the brilliant win over Sale at Thomond Park.

"They didn't get the credit they deserved for their win against a tough Perpignan side. That's typical is some respects because of what they have managed over a long period in the tournament. They will be relying on that past experience and it'll definitely stand to them on Sunday. They won't care if it's not pretty because they often play with an unfussy style that's hugely effective."

Everitt acknowledges that Leinster outhalf Felipe Contepomi will have a huge impact on the match. "I played against him when he was at Bristol but his game has improved since then and he's having a brilliant season. He's the sort of individual who sees space and attacks it. Coaches love to see that and he's being encouraged to pursue that policy."

The London Irish player doesn't believe Leinster will find the sort of room they managed in Toulouse next Sunday. "That was a free flowing, fluid game but I don't think that will be the case this weekend. Munster generally make very few errors, thereby offering fewer turnovers. It means that it can be quite difficult for opponents to get into the game and establish a rhythm.

"Munster have several wily individuals in key positions and are experienced in knowing how to win semi-finals. The proviso is that they don't kick loosely because to do that invites Leinster into the match. Leinster do create opportunities, too, and if they get quick ball have so many individuals who can do serious damage."

So who does Everitt feel will emerge victorious on Sunday? "For sentimental reasons you have to say that Munster deserve to win a European Cup. More so than any other team in the competition for their consistency and near misses over the past eight years but romance rarely intrudes on professional sport."