Munster may be without Ronan O’Gara, Peter Stringer, Paul O’Connell, Anthony Foley and John Hayes but their strength in depth is such that there are 11 internationals in their starting line-up, while there are such venerables as Jim Williams, Tom Bowman and Rob Henderson sitting on the bench.
The real worry for Glasgow, however, is the Munster back row of Alan Quinlan, Denis Leamy and David Wallace, all of whom have something to prove to Eddie O’Sullivan.
“There’s a bit in it for them all right,” says coach Alan Gaffney. “Wally was a victim of the extended pre-season for the international players. As for the other two, we just thought that if Quinny and Denis were to have a shot for Irish selection, they really have to play for us this week. But the back row is still wide open when it comes to the (Heineken Cup) quarter-final against Biarritz.”
As to Gaffney’s own future, he is due to meet with Munster officials this week. The Australian, who has been linked with the new Super 14 franchise in Perth, is out of contract at the end of this season.
The chances of him putting a second Celtic League in the Munster trophy cabinet receded significantly when they lost to Llanelli three weekends ago. Even if they win their last six games, they still need the Ospreys to slip up. “The odds are against us but we haven’t given up hope,” says Gaffney.
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Celtic League, Munster v Glasgow Rugby, today, kick-off 5pm, live on Setanta Sports