Northampton v Munster: ANOTHER HEINEKEN Cup campaign and, already, another defining moment for Munster. Not for the first time, even some of the Red Army may be having doubts.
The core of this high-achieving and now highly-decorated team owe themselves and their fans nothing, but today will go a long way towards telling us whether they can dip into the well once more or if it’s running a little dry.
It was never likely to be easy. From the moment the Lions initially picked eight of their number, Munster were never going to hit the ground running this season. Even so, the scale of last week’s limp defeat to Leinster would have sent tremors through the province.
In their hour of need, Tony McGahan has, understandably, reverted to the usual suspects. Jerry Flannery, Paul O’Connell, David Wallace and Alan Quinlan are all recalled to a pack that has largely been cast in stone, save for Tony Buckley replacing the suspended John Hayes.
Paul Warwick, whose elusive cameo provided one of the few shafts of light last weekend, is reinstated at fullback with Keith Earls shifting to the wing.
On paper, it looks a pretty good team. The pity is Northampton are effectively five or six games ahead of them.
Before, during and after, the Lions odyssey has left its scars. All of the quartet of stellar forwards are desperately short of game-time, and Ronan O’Gara admitted to Sky Sports during the week he’s had several sleepless nights since his physical and mental mauling at the end of the second Test.
“But I’ve had nights like that before and you have to get over it,” he said, and no better place than among his tried and trusted mates in a time of crisis to do so.
“There is something narrow-minded about the way we think in Munster; we are friends as opposed to colleagues, and we are passionate to play for the team.”
After a two-season break, the Saints return to the Heineken Cup for a game that has been a sell-out for weeks.
“We are excited by being in the Heineken Cup,” commented Northampton’s highly-regarded coach Jim Mallinder, “but we aren’t daunted by playing them.”
Munster’s record in England has improved in recent years to the point where they have an 8-7 win-loss record (including the 2000 final defeat to Northampton at Twickenham). But in openers on English soil, they have lost four of five, albeit setting them up for one of those vengeful rip-roaring pool January denouements at Thomond Park.
Last season’s European Challenge Cup winners have three wins out of five this season, while their record at Franklin’s Gardens over the last few seasons is imposing – one defeat in 36 competitive games.
Northampton were seemingly the one nett spenders in England over the close-season, and Shane Geraghty especially has settled in well. Aside from London Irish, they are playing the brightest brand of offloading rugby in the Premiership. Even without Euan Murray and Dan Vickerman, they have a strong scrum and lineout, and this fixture would have been highlighted like no other in the diaries of Neil Best, Roger Wilson and James Downey.
“They’re very strong in attack through individuals,” admits McGahan, “especially (Ben) Foden and (Bruce) Reihana. Geraghty’s controlling things, both from a direction with the team but individually he’s playing very well; creating a lot of opportunities for himself. Couple that with a big forward pack, a strong running backrow with Wilson, and they are a very formidable team.
“They’ve got a big frontrow, (Dylan) Hartley’s playing very well. They will attack from the back, but they are also able to play and confront you around the corners with their forwards. They are playing a very high, up-tempo game, especially at home . . . It’s a difficult place to go but one we’re looking forward to.”
Munster have no form to speak of, only a level of proven achievement and status in this competition second to none, whereas Northampton are navigating uncharted waters. A bonus point defeat, with January in mind, mightn’t be the worst outcome.
In the circumstances, it would be no surprise if Munster went back to basics, ie, the maul, pick-and-go drives and O’Gara’s boot, with the outhalf back to his vintage best. And the revival of the maul – Christophe Berdos if he applies the laws ought to be of assistance to them.
Yet they are also hell bent on their more expansive course of the last few years, and the return of Warwick, with Earls on the wing, ought to sharpen their edge too.
We can expect a backlash, but while Munster often defy logic, on all recent evidence this should go to the form team – the home team.
Previous meetings: (1999-2000 final, Twickenham) Northampton 9 Munster 8.
Formguide: Northampton: W L W W L. Munster: L W W W L.
Leading H Cup try scorers (current panel): Northampton: Bruce Reihana 5. Munster: Alan Quinlan 13, David Wallace 12, Marcus Horan, Denis Leamy 10 each.
Leading Heineken Cup points scorers: Northampton: Bruce Reihana 33. Munster: Ronan O'Gara 1,040.
Betting: 10/11 Northampton, 18/1 Draw, 10/11 Munster.
Forecast: Northampton to win.
