RUGBY:THIS MAGNERS League match got the go-ahead at lunch-time yesterday after a pitch inspection by IRFU referee Peter Fitzgibbon and head groundsman Nick Green copper-fastened the commitment to proceed. Neither team would have welcomed a postponement with the shadow of Heineken Cup fare looming over the next fortnight. The November Test window means the respective coaches Tony McGahan and the Blues' Dai Young will have a two-fold objective this evening. The focus will be to try to secure victory but there'll be a massive emphasis on trying to fine tune team dynamics ahead of the resumption of the European tournament.
Paul O’Connell as expected is named among the replacements but the composition of the Munster team offers several interesting topics for debate. Johne Murphy is named at fullback with Lifeimi Mafi on the right wing and Paul Warwick on the bench. When the Ospreys come to Limerick next weekend McGahan may elect to reshuffle depending on individual displays this evening.
Warwick has featured regularly for Munster at fullback in Europe while a sizeable tranche of Murphy’s career at Leicester was spent on the wing. There are several other permutations in terms of backline selection – Doug Howlett, who is rested, will return next weekend – that could see Mafi move to the centre and Earls play fullback on another day.
In recent times McGahan has viewed Earls as his preferred outside centre. The Irish international and Denis Hurley may be the only three quarters to retain the same playing number through the three matches prior to Christmas. Ronan O’Gara will be partnered by Peter Stringer at halfback with Tomás O’Leary on the bench.
Stringer’s performances for Ireland and his rival’s injury sabbatical probably dictated he be given first crack. There is a familiar look to the front five while Denis Leamy anchors the backrow and is captain. Flankers Alan Quinlan and Niall Ronan will be aware David Wallace’s recent exertions in a green jersey were a consideration in being named among the replacements. O’Connell’s competitive comeback from his long-term injury incorporated a 40-minute cameo for Young Munster last weekend and a progression in his rehabilitation would see him get 20 or 30 minutes this evening.
Munster possesses a strong bench from the experienced John Hayes to young hooker Mike Sherry who has grasped the chance in recent weeks with some aplomb. His ball carrying in particular has been eye catching.
Cardiff Blues have won six of their last seven Magners matches on the road but have never won at Thomond Park in four attempts. Young’s side are bolstered by a quintet of returning internationals including Scottish pivot Dan Parks, scrumhalf Richie Rees, centre Tom Shanklin, flanker Sam Warburton and prop Gethin Jenkins. Hooker Gareth Williams plays his first match of the tournament this season while Chris Czekaj switches to fullback to accommodate Gavin Evans inclusion on the wing.
Both sides will want to generate some momentum not just in terms of this evening’s result but in the quality of the rugby. The home side might be slightly better placed to realise that ambition.
MUNSTER: J Murphy; L Mafi, K Earls, S Tuitupou, D Hurley; R O’Gara, P Stringer; W du Preez, D Varley, T Buckley; M O’Driscoll, D O’Callaghan; A Quinlan, N Ronan, D Leamy (capt). Replacements: M Sherry, D Ryan, J Hayes, P O’Connell, D Wallace, T O’Leary, P Warwick, B Murphy.
CARDIFF BLUES: C Czekaj; R Mustoe, C Laulala, T Shanklin, G Evans; D Parks, R Rees; G Jenkins, G Williams, T Filise; M Paterson, P Tito; M Molitika, S Warburton, X Rush. Replacements: R Williams, T Davies, S Hobbs, B Griffiths, B White, T Slater, C Sweeney, D Hewitt.
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland).
Verdict: Munster to win.
