Munster face frightening opener
Munster face a frightening opening tie in the Heineken Cup as they will travel to play the London Irish.
The London Irish ground is well known for being rather intimidating and it will be a very difficult start to what looks like it will be the most competitive European Cup competition for years.
Munster said towards the back end of last year that they would be going all out in the new season to try and win something, which they feel they deserve. However, this opener will be a tough start and the first hurdle of many that they will need to overcome.
There will be a whole variety of external factors that Munster must take in to consideration if they are going to beat London Irish who always do quite well in this competition. They must also start doing their homework right now if they don't want to face humiliation.
External factors
The Heineken Cup is one of the most historic and anticipated competitions in rugby. Thousands of fans flock out to see some of the best sides in Europe play each other for the big silver trophy.
Munster have been thrown in at the deep end because the London Irish crowd can be very intimidating. The ground is one that sees fans almost leaning over the pitch and this can be very unnerving for players who have not played at the ground before.
Munster will also have to keep in mind that their opponents always fly out of the traps during their first European game of the season. This is something that a lot of sides do to try and get off to a good start. It could well mean a few extra physical challenges.
Munster's coach, Tony McGahan said: "Home advantage is important but can also bring its own pressures particularly in round one but London Irish will prove a massive challenge. They were just edged out of a place in the play-offs last season and prior to that lost narrowly in the semi-final. Toulon represent a little bit of an unknown quantity in the respect that we’ve never played them before."
London Irish
Munster have to do their homework on the London Irish and this will mean taking a very close look at many parts of the side. The London Irish team is very big and very physical, which makes them hard to break down and difficult to penetrate.
They are a little vulnerable in the wide areas of the field but they use their versatile players well to get across and cover in these areas. They are a team who wear their hearts on their sleeves and they will do their best to make Munster think they are beaten before the game has even started.
McGahan added: "We’ve seen plenty of them and it’s probably better to get them in Limerick first up. (Then, it is) back to back against the Ospreys with first game at home in Thomond Park. They won there last time and will travel in confidence."
Betting advice
Both of these sides are going to be hard pushed to make it all of the way in the Heineken Cup next season. However, this is not to say that you shouldn't bury yourself in the excitement of this match.
London Irish are the favourites at this point in time but there is still some time in the close season left and still time for Munster to bring in one or two players who would give them a better chance of success in Europe next season. Wait to see if anyone comes in to the club but a lot of people are already backing London Irish.
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