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Crunch time for Munster and Wasps Munster v London Wasps
Heineken Cup preview
A winner-takes-all battle will ensue at Thomond Park this Saturday as
Munster and London Wasps go head-to-head for top spot in Pool Five of
the Heineken Cup.
With second-place unlikely to be good enough for a spot in the last eight,
Wasps travel to the Limerick fortress attempting to do what only Leicester
have ever done — beat Munster on home soil.
Reigning champions Wasps have a three-point cushion at the top of the
group following their 40-7 mauling of Llanelli Scarlets last Sunday.
Ian McGeechan’s side had earned a bonus point by the half-time,
with Irish and former Munster scrum-half Eoin Reddan in sparkling form.
Munster on the other hand needed a couple of late Ronan O’Gara penalties
to earn a losing bonus point away to Clermont Auvergne, meaning victory
on Saturday will ensure a home quarter-final for 2006 champions.
The hosts may have to do without the services of Jerry Flannery however
who is likely to face a suspension after some over zealous rucking which
resulted in Clermont back row Julien Bonnaire requiring treatment for
a head wound.
Wasps No 8 Lawrence Dallaglio predicts a closely-fought encounter.
“I always thought it would come down to the wire in this group,”
said Dallaglio. “It’s a huge challenge but we are aiming to
be the second side to win at Thomond Park. The experience of playing Munster
away will be a unique one for all of us. We are looking forward to a great
game and we have to make sure it is us that go through.”
Munster out-half O’Gara admitted he wasn’t even aware his
side had earned a bonus point against Clermont until the final whistle.
“I have to say I didn’t realise it was still in play at the
end, it was all a bit crazy,” he said. “People don’t
realise how tough Clermont are. They’re a fantastic side and that
was a really tough game.
“We came here looking for the win and we’re disappointed not
to have it but we got the bonus point and that’s enough to take
into our next game against Wasps.” |
