Munster look to get back on track

Munster v Ulster - Thomond Park KO 5pm Setanta Ireland:THE DEARTH of fit props in Munster is in danger of being upgraded to pandemic proportions. Darragh Hurley is the latest casualty, his shoulder injury forcing him to the sideline where he joins Marcus Horan, Tony Buckley, Dave Ryan and the suspended John Hayes.

Munster coach Tony McGahan has promoted Academy prop Stephen Archer to the starting line-up, the Cork Constitution tighthead having come on as a replacement for the injured Darragh Hurley during last weekend’s defeat to Edinburgh. Julien Brugnaut moves across to his more favoured position of loosehead prop.

The 21-year-old Archer’s elevation means that sub-Academy prospect Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohemian), a try scorer in a recent A interprovincial against Leinster, is named among the replacements. The other alteration from the Edinburgh match is the return of Alan Quinlan in preference to Niall Ronan. Munster are obviously expecting a bruising confrontation on the gain-line.

The sharp-eyed will notice that Ronan is named among the replacements ahead of Ireland squad member Donnacha Ryan. The decision appears to suggest nothing more than a facility to shift emphasis in terms of playing patterns upon Ronan’s introduction. In keeping with any team that suffers a dip in form or standards, Chinese whispers are rife and conspiracy theories are extended credence in defeat.

Few of the Munster players can feel that they are contributing at a consistently high level commensurate with ability and that’s certainly having an effect on the team dynamic but it doesn’t follow that they’re a spent force.

What’s required is a commonality of purpose and attitude, a return to core values and a dollop of good fortune. It would be opportune if that happened this evening in Limerick but there are no guarantees, particularly against an Ulster side that have evolved this season under the guidance of Brian McLaughlin and his coaching team. They intelligently adapted to the conditions against Leinster last week but today’s assignment is likely to require a more expansive approach.

Paddy Wallace returns to captain the side from inside centre and his tete-a-tete with Jean de Villiers, presumably, will have more far-reaching implications for the former in relation to the Test arena.

Stephen Ferris is back after injury and Ireland coach Declan Kidney will be keen to witness how the backrow tussle evolves; Ferris is supported by Willie Faloon and new Ireland squad member Chris Henry while the Munster triumvirate are all internationals.

There are several other captivating duels, Tomás O’Leary against Isaac Boss, and Ronan O’Gara and Ian Humphreys, to name but two that offer instructive subplots to the main theatre. Ulster know that having bearded their hosts 37-11 last season at tonight’s venue, Munster won’t lack motivation.

The visitors produced an excellent performance to beat Bath at home in their opening European fixture and then eight days later offered their most insipid, doubt-ridden display of the season in losing meekly to Edinburgh at Murrayfield. They beat Leinster but can repeat that application and precision.

Ulster will target their opponents’ scrum, Munster equally bullish when it comes to the lineout. This game won’t be won on the fringes but by the team who work their opportunities and have the courage and precision to take them. Ulster are in a better place in terms of confidence and deserve to be considered favourites but it’s difficult to escape the suspicion Munster are too good to languish in the doldrums much longer. They won’t necessarily be at their best but they might just about be good enough.

MUNSTER:P Warwick; I Dowling, L Mafi, J de Villiers, K Earls; R O'Gara, T O'Leary; J Brugnaut, D Fogarty, S Archer; D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell (capt); A Quinlan, D Wallace, D Leamy. Replacements: D Varley, D Kilcoyne, M O'Driscoll, N Ronan, P Stringer, D Hurley, F Jones.

ULSTER:C Schifcofske; T Nagusa, D Cave, P Wallace, A Trimble; I Humphreys, I Boss; T Court, N Brady, B Botha; E O'Donoghue, R Caldwell; S Ferris, W Faloon C Henry. Replacements: A Kyriacou, B Young, T Horua, R Diack, P Marshall, I Whitten, S Danielli.

Referee:Alain Rolland (Ireland)

Last meeting – At Thomond Park: Munster 11 Ulster 37

Leading points scorers:Munster – Jeremy Manning 30. Ulster – Ian Humphreys 60.

Leading try scorers: Munster – Nick Williams 3. Ulster – Simon Danielli, Andrew Trimble, Timoci Nagusa 2 each.

Verdict:Munster to win.