Munster eyeing their eighth consecutive win in Magners League 2010/11
Magners League 2010/11 leaders and title favourites, Munster, will play their last round match against Connacht on Friday, May 6, at Thomond Park, Limerick. Connacht, with seven wins in the season out of the 21 games, is at
ninth position on the Magners League table.
In past 27 years, Connacht has only once defeated Munster. The record itself speaks about the huge task Connacht has on hand when they take the field against Munster during the weekend. Connacht Rugby’s only victory over the
Munster came during the 2008/09 season in which they defeated Munster 12-6 in Galway.
Munster is enjoying a prime run of form, which has enabled them to win consecutive seven matches in the Magners League. Friday’s game hosts have already booked a home semi-final at Thomond Park.
Connacht’s only away win in the domestic season came at Glasgow during round three matches of the Magners League as Connacht Rugby defeated Glasgow 19 – 17.
On the other hand, Munster has won their previous ten home games of the Magners League.
Munster has opted to give a game to their substitute players as they retain only four of their first choice players that played against the Ospreys in Swansea. Players retained their position include their fly half Ronan O’Gara,
fullback Felix Jones, and winger Doug Howlett.
Denis Leamy will replace James Coughlan at number 8 while Alan Quilan gets a game. Tomas O’Leary returns for Munster after absence of approximately four months.
The current season is Connacht’s most successful domestic season with seven wins and a draw in their 21 games so far.
Connacht Rugby’s will be relying heavily on their half back pair consisting of scrum half Frank Murphy and fly half Ian Keatley to make any impression over the Munster during their weekend’s clash.
Keatley is just trailing by 15 to Ospreys fly half Dan Biggar to become Magners League top scorer. Keatley so far has scored 216 points that includes 2 tries, 20 conversions, 55 penalties and a drop goal.
The best Connacht Rugby can achieve from the game is a losing bonus point as the victory over the Munster will be a definite upset. Munster will be eyeing their eighth consecutive win in Magners League 2010/11.
Squads
Munster
Starting XV: 15 Felix Jones, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Johne Murphy, 12 Danny Barnes, 11 Simon Zebo, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 Denis Leamy, 7 Niall Ronan, 6 Alan Quinlan, 5 Paul O'Connell (c,)4 Donnacha Ryan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Mike Sherry,
1 Marcus Horan.
Replacements: 16 Damien Varley, 17 Wian du Preez, 18 S Archer, 19 IanNagle, 20 Tommy O'Donnell, 21 Peter Stringer, 22 Paul Warwick, 23 Deni Hurley.
Connacht
Starting XV: 15 Gavin Duffy, 14 Brian Tuohy, 13 Eoin Griffin, 12 Miah Nikora, 11 Fionn Carr, 10 Ian Keatley, 9 Frank Murphy, 8 John Muldoon, 7 Johnny O'Connor (C), 6 Andrew Browne, 5 Bernie Upton, 4 Mike McCarthy, 3 Jamie Hagan, 2 Sean Cronin,
1 Brett Wilkinson.
Replacements: 16 Adrian Flavin, 17 Ronan Loughney, 18 Dylan Rogers, 19 Dave Nolan, 20 Mike McComish, 21 Cillian Willis, 22 Troy Nathan, 22 Tiernan O'Halloran.
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