AN operation on Paul Hogan's achilles tendon will keep him out of the Garryowen side that goes into tomorrow's game at Thomond Park (3.30) as the dominant team. Any side that dumps triple All Ireland League champions Shannon en route to the final cannot be considered as anything but odds on.

"On the basis of beating Shannon I suppose we'd be considered favourites but there was only a kick of the ball in it last time, when we won 11-9 in the league. I would consider that game far more indicative of how close the sides are," said former international and Garryowen coach Phillip Danaher.

Danaher's wariness is rooted in the traditional strengths of Young Munster - their ability to bind as a unit and an unusually strong team spirit, one that may have to do without flanker Declan Edwards if his back injury has not cleared up. Hooker Mark Fitzgerald, winger Niall McNamara and back row Des Clohessy all came off on Tuesday evening, too, but are named in the starting line up.

Garryowen, however, are equally fearless and strong overall with no seriously weak areas. Hogan's replacement, last year's captain Dara O'Sullivan, is widely experienced and represents the only change from the semi final. Garryowen's form is more impressive - even if it was a 70m Killian Keane interception try at 10-0 down that broke Shannon's will - and they are taken to win.