The opportunity to virtually copper-fasten a place in the quarter-finals of the European Cup with back-to-back victories over tonight's opponents, Bridgend, will be a primary incentive for Munster. If they win at Brewery Field and complete the double tomorrow week at Musgrave Park, Declan Kidney's charges will be strong favourites to make the knockout stages.
The priority remains tonight's match in which Munster will start as favourites. Bridgend have already lost both their previous cup matches, the opening game at home to Harlequins, while last time out they succumbed in France to Castres. This is their first season in the cup having previously competed in the shield.
They boast 10 internationals in their starting line-up - eight from Wales, Tongan full-back Josh Taumalolo and Canadian tighthead prop John Thiel: there are two more on the bench including leading points scorer Adrian Durston and a second, Tongan Maama Molitika. The good news for Munster is that Lions and Wales wing Daffyd James is unavailable through injury.
The back line, nevertheless, contains plenty of experience in Welsh wing Gareth Thomas and former dual code international John Devereux. The team will be captained by scrumhalf Huw Harries.
When Leinster played Bridgend in the Celtic League they attacked them in the set scrums and while Munster lack the former's power in that area, they will still look to drain the legs of their hosts. Bridgend have struggled in the tight five this season, although the return, following injury, of Welsh lock Deiniol Jones should help.
Jeremy Staunton retains the full-back berth as Dominic Crotty has still not recovered from a hand injury. Staunton offers a more potent counter-attacking threat in that he is less predictable. Given Ireland's coming games against Samoa and New Zealand next month, the Munster players will be aware that the next two weeks represent an opportunity to press claims.
Munster's resilience and ability to soak up pressure - they displayed these traits to great effect against Harlequins - will once again be tested. However, given their solidity in the set pieces and the ability to implement or adapt a game plan, they should have too much nous for their opponents. Alan Quinlan's return to the bench offers further options.
BRIDGEND: J Taumalolo; G Thomas, J Devereux, J Funnell, Daniel Jones; C Warlow, H Harries (capt); C Loader, G Williams, J Thiel; Deiniol Jones, C Stephens; N Budgett, R Bryan, J Ringer. Replacements: A Durston,C Ferris, M Molitika, J Hewlitt, C Noon, S van Rensburg, P Clapham.
MUNSTER: J Staunton; J Kelly, M Mullins, J Holland, A Horgan; R O'Gara, P Stringer; P Clohessy, F Sheahan, J Hayes; M Galwey (capt), M O'Driscoll; J Williams, A Foley, D Wallace. Replacements: M Horan, J Blaney, P O'Connell, A Quinlan, M Prendergast, K Keane, C McMahon.
Referee: A Lombardi (Italy).
Previous meetings: none.
Leading EC try scorers (2001-2002): Munster - J Holland (2). Bridgend - M Molitika, C Stephens, A Durston, D James 1 each.
Leading EC points scorer (2001-2002): Munster - R O'Gara 39. Bridgend - A Durston 18.
Formguide: Munster - beat Castres (h) 28-23; beat Harlequins (a) 24-8. Bridgend - lost to Harlequins (h) 30-24; lost to Castres (a) 35-23.
Odds: 3/1 Bridgend, 18/1 Draw, 2/9 Munster. Handicap odds (= Bridgend +12pts) 10/11 Bridgend, 16/1 Draw, 10/11 Munster.
Forecast: Munster to win.
The IRFU (Ulster branch) has appointed David Boyd as club rugby development manager. Boyd will provide a planning function for the development of club rugby at all levels and will be based full time in Ravenhill. A former player of YMCA and CIYMS, Boyd has been largely involved with Ballyclare RFC where he served as director of rugby and youth convenor for many years. At present, Boyd is team manager to the Ulster youth XV, who are currently competing in the under-18 Interprovincial Championship.
