THE OSPREYS, champions in 2010 remember, recently broke the Leinster-Munster dominance of the RaboDirect Pro12. However, this is not an ideal weekend for them to ram home any points about their progress.
Eight of their regulars are absent this evening. Huw Bennett, Ryan Bevington, Dan Biggar, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones, Justin Tipuric and Shane Williams are representing Wales against Australia in a money-spinner at the Millennium Stadium, while Adam Jones’ calf has not yet healed from the World Cup semi-final.
Munster are not at full strength either but, injuries aside, they could be at a moment’s notice. The two most influential components in the machine, Paul O’Connell and Ronan O’Gara, are held back on the bench.
So too are Conor Murray, Wian du Preez and James Coughlan.
Any problems against the weakened hosts and all five will be unleashed.
Despite this absence of these senior figures, Tony McGahan’s third choice captain is very revealing. Forwards coach Anthony Foley recently stated that 22-year-old backrower Peter O’Mahony has become a leader within the group. Here’s the proof, as he switches to number eight. It is another sign that Munster are moving onwards.
Donncha O’Callaghan and Donnacha Ryan will be motivated enough by the looming presence of O’Connell but another interesting call is Tomás O’Leary at scrumhalf.
Deposed as the Ireland starting nine by Murray, reports this week had O’Leary considering a move abroad. The player made no comment, his coach has heard nothing either. Still, with Peter Stringer getting a much-needed 40 minutes for the Barbarians last weekend, there is a bottleneck in that position at the moment.
A seemingly second-string Munster overwhelmed Edinburgh 34-17 last week in Limerick by playing a frantic brand of attacking rugby.
Several backs stood out, particularly winger Simon Zebo, who keeps his place.
So does Denis Hurley at fullback, his natural position and from where he helped Munster win a Heineken Cup.
Will Chambers and Danny Barnes also continue in midfield alongside Ian Keatley, so more of the open, attacking style is expected.
Never a team for sentiment, it is safe to assume Marcus Horan has earned the right to retain the loosehead prop berth ahead of Wian du Preez.
It will be the Ireland international’s 200th cap for Munster. The 34-year-old made his senior debut in 1999 and won his 100th cap against Leinster in October 2005.
“Having played and worked with Marcus, I’ve seen first hand the sort of work ethic and application he brings to the game. And he’s been doing that week in week out over the past 13 seasons,” said Foley.
“Remember, too, he’s had his share of time out with illness and injury and we recognise the test of endurance he’s had to face and yet still managed to accumulate 200 caps. I think that says it all about the man. He’s been a massive servant to Munster and the game in general and sets an example to others of what it takes to be worthy to wear the Munster jersey.”
The others Foley is referring to may be the established by season’s end.
Another progressive leap is expected here.
OSPREYS: B Davies; T Bowe, A Bishop, A Beck, R Fussell; M Morgan, R Webb; D Jones, R Hibbard, A Jarvis; I Gough, J Thomas; T Smith (capt), J King, J Bearman. Replacements: M Davies, C Griffiths, J Rees, G Stowers, S Lewis, T Isaacs, S Parker, H Dirksen.
MUNSTER: D Hurley; D Howlett, W Chambers, D Barnes, S Zebo; I Keatley, T O’Leary; M Horan, D Varley, BJ Botha; D O’Callaghan, D Ryan; D Leamy, N Ronan, P O’Mahony (capt). Replacements: D Fogarty, W du Preez, S Archer, P O’Connell, J Coughlan, C Murray, R O’Gara, J Murphy.
Referee: Peter Allan (SRU).
Verdict: Munster win.
