RUGBY MAGNERS LEAGUE: Ospreys v Munster IN ONE of those distinctly curious quirks of the league programme, Munster are the first of three Irish provinces in action on Welsh soil over the weekend. As with Leinster, they travel to a modern-day, ground-sharing stadium that, for some reason, appears utterly soulless.
Yet, by rights, this should be an example of the league putting its best foot forward. Wales and Ireland have hoovered up the last five Triple Crowns, sprinkled with a Grand Slam each (with none from representatives of the much-hyped Guinness Premiership in that time), and no two outfits have contributed more to the Celts’ success in recent times than this pair.
Even some way short of full-strength there is still plenty of quality on display. The Ospreys’ casualty list currently numbers a staggering 15 players – amongst those hors de combat are Adam Jones, Ian Gough, Ryan Jones, Shane Williams, Mike Phillips and Lee Byrne – and yet they can still afford to name James Hook on the bench to back up a starting XV containing 13 internationals.
For their part, Munster have rested David Wallace and Jerry Flannery along with the injured Marcus Horan and Denis Leamy (who expects to be back next week), but can still name 10 internationals in their starting line-up in what is close to a full-strength trial run for the upcoming rendezvous with Perpignan.
Their frontrow resources look a tad beefier since their trying times in late October, with their short-term signing from the Cheetahs, 27-year-old prop Wian du Preez, replacing Julien Brugnaut and linking up with the league champions after being called up to the Springboks’ squad, while John Hayes replaces Stephen Archer.
James Coughlan, who captained the side in their two recent British and Irish Cup victories, makes his first league start since March, while Niall Ronan replaces Wallace. The only change in what is effectively a full-strength back-line sees Doug Howlett return from injury.
The last time Alan Quinlan, Ronan and Coughlan formed the Munster backrow, they won 26-13 away to Glasgow in March, with Ronan scoring a hat-trick of tries, while previous to that Ronan and Coughlan played alongside each other in the memorable outing against the All Blacks a year ago. Admittedly, they’re coming up against an all-All Blacks backrow as it were, in Jerry Collins, Marty Holah and Filo Tiatia.
Ospreys vs Munster
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Ulster vs Glasgow Warriors
Rugby Magners League
United Kingdom
The Magners League
4th December 20:00 untail 22:00 GMT
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