Munster likely to celebrate with victory

Munster will accept the plaudits manifest in the presentation of the Guinness Interprovincial Championship trophy at Thomond Park this evening, but ostensibly their focus has already shifted to the forthcoming European Cup. Coach Declan Kidney, through team selection, has demonstrated a desire to rest several key individuals against Connacht as well as providing a competitive outing for fringe players.

In the latter respect the introduction of centre Cian Mahony, outhalf Jason Holland, second row Donnacha O'Callaghan and parttimer Eddie Halvey allows Kidney to assess the current well being of players prior to next Saturday's opening European Cup match against Pontypridd at Thomond Park. He will also be delighted to welcome back David Corkery who has not played since withdrawing from the Irish squad mid-World Cup with a back injury.

The Cork Constitution flanker's recovery is a bonus for the greater tests that lie ahead. Munster would undoubtedly like to complete an unbeaten journey through the interpros, having already enjoyed a historic achievement for the province by winning back-to-back titles.

Ironically the pressure is therefore on Connacht, who have selected the strongest available side in seeking a morale boost prior to the start of their European Shield campaign. Coach Glenn Ross has introduced young scrum-half David Mescal for the injured Steve McIvor and restored Barry Gavin to the back row, the only changes to the side well beaten by Ulster last week.

Facing a depleted Munster side, albeit one containing a great deal of quality, holds a dubious attraction for the beleaguered Connacht side: lose and the brickbats are going to seriously start hurting.

Munster has been the outstanding province in the interprovincials this season and the success they have enjoyed is thoroughly merited. Limerick folk will offer them the requisite acclaim and an auspicious evening for Munster should culminate in victory.

Leinster arrive at Ravenhill tonight complete with the legacy of an ear bashing from coach Mike Ruddock. Their unacceptable capitulation to Munster in their last game ensured that the selectorial axe was brandished with gusto. Ostensibly denied European Cup rugby next season, unless an Irish province makes the semi-finals of the European Cup this season, Leinster desperately needs a shove in the right direction.

Leicester travels to Donnybrook this day week, a daunting prospect for a Leinster side lacking direction, principally in their most recent performance. European champions Ulster, despite a guaranteed second place in the interpros, represents a pale shadow of last season's all conquering heroes however.

Ulster coach Harry Williams is hampered by injuries to several internationals and has only nine days - they open their defence against Bourgoin in France on Sunday week - to fuse the undoubted talent of his side into a formidable team. Leinster ought to be driven by greater hunger and a desire to redress the failings of the last day, of the season in general.

Both teams could do with a morale boosting victory. The respective packs hold the key to victory: if Ulster don't match Leinster up front, then the visitors will travel back to Dublin with not only the points but a better mindset for the travails that lie ahead.

MUNSTER: M Mullins; J Kelly, K Keane (capt), C Mahony, A Horgan; J Holland, B O'Meara; M Horan, F Sheahan, J Hayes; D O'Callaghan, J Langford, D Corkery, A Quinlan, E Halvey.

CONNACHT: S Allnutt; P Duignan, M Mostyn, M Deane, N Carolan; E Elwood (capt), D Mescal; J Maher, S McDonald, M Cahill; G Webster, M McConnell; B Gavin, M Steffert, E Brennan.

ULSTER: S Mason; S Coulter, J Cunningham, N Malone, S Bromley; D Humphreys (capt), M Edwards; R Irwin, R Weir, S Best; M Blair, G Longwell; E Miller, T McWhirter, A Ward.

LEINSTER: G Dempsey; G D'Arcy, P McKenna, S Horgan, D Hickie; M McHugh, S Forster; E Byrne, J Blaney, G Halpin; R Casey, M O'Kelly; D O'Brien, V Costello, L Toland (capt).