Each day rugby analyst Matt Williams will look at a key head-to-head confrontation in Sunday's match. Today he looks at the two men at number 10
Ronan O'Gara Vs Felipe Contepomi
PUNTING: Ronan O'Gara is arguably the best out-of-hand kicking 10 on the planet. Can pin you in your own 22 which leads to frustration and error on the opposition team.This is crucial to Munster rugby as position is number one. They get position through kicking and apply pressure by physical dominance.
Felipe Contepomi is an excellent tactical kicker although can have poor days. He is not the "sixpence landing" kicker that O'Gara is but is solid enough.
PLACE-KICKING: O'Gara is world class for most of the season. Has a history of missing some of the more simple ones especially in big games. Like a true champion he bounces back But he has his demons. Contepomi has developed over the years from a part-time to a great place kicker. He had some poor days early for the Pumas but these are few and far between. It is essential he is on form as this game is going to won by inches not yards.
DISTRIBUTION: It is an area where I hoped Al Gaffney would have had O'Gara functioning at a level that would have propelled him into the elite of the elite class.When he takes it to the line he is very tough to handle but sadly he is not doing it often enough. Content to sit in the pocket, this means his inside centre has two or three defenders to deal with as he is not a threat.
Contepomi is head and shoulders above all in Europe. A running threat, his passing is excellent and he supports the ball carrier. He is the reason why Leinster's outside backs have so much space. The backrow and inside backs MUST hold for Contepomi or they will be under their own posts talking about how fast he is.
TACKLING: In O'Gara's case courage is not the question; technique is though.
Ronan sits before contact and while this is a common problem with many rugby men, it leads to missed tackles. He needs the support of his back row and inside backs.
Contepomi is a fine international inside centre and a person who enjoys the physicality. David Wallace, David Lyons or Lewis Moody hold no fears.
O'Gara should have a go but I see no gaps.
DECISION-MAKING: No player is perfect but those people who underestimate O'Gara will pay a price. At Heineken European Cup level, he is a master of his trade who has proved time and time again he has all the attributes required to be considered among the best in that position. His decision-making is generally beyond reproach. Contepomi would give any coach grey hairs but he is the epitome of playing the game with a heads-up attitude. Fantastic vision, he's a superb reader of the game and if Munster turn over ball then he'll make them pay big time.
