Munster need to apply basics to subdue revolt

Buoyed by a win away to the same opposition, installed as heavy favourites by the bookies and no doubt by a capacity, sell-out Cork crowd - these really are the good times - a province expects once again this afternoon. But therein lies the rub, for favouritism never sits easily with the Irish psyche.

In that, and more actually, there are a few disconcerting pointers in the way of an expected home win in Musgrave Park this afternoon. Beating the same side twice in a season is always more difficult the second time around - given the knowledge accrued from the first meeting and the revenge factor - and all the more so when the games are back-to-back and only a week apart.

Munster only have to remember last year's vengeful Bath performance at the Rec to recall that much.

Nor does Musgrave carry quite the same impenetrable fortress mentality about it as Thomond Park, on top of which David Wallace - currently in the richest vein of form of his career and after Brian O'Driscoll the biggest game-breaker in Irish rugby just now - was yesterday duly ruled out of this game with his troublesome shoulder injury. Indeed, it must also raise a doubt about his availability next Sunday for Ireland against the Samoans.

Then again, Alan Quinlan is quite a replacement, while there is also Colm McMahon to spring from the bench among others, not least the medical miracle that is a fit-again Rob Henderson.

On this season's formguide, Bridgend have yet to deliver on the rich promise of their teamsheet, and indeed the rich assistance of owner Leighton Samuel. Nevertheless, that Munster were able to subdue them last week was in large part due to the supremacy established by Mick Galwey and company at the coalface, and more of the same will be required today.

As Leinster discovered in their Celtic League trip to Bridgend, the looser it gets the more effective Bridgend are, and they are particularly adept at keeping the ball alive.

Even without injured Daffyd James and the Tongan full-back Siua Taumalolo, who is on international duty, their back line especially has some quality to it and, after defeats already this season to Leinster, Ulster and Munster, their pride must be hurting.

Bridgend's 3-9 win-loss record this season assuredly gives a false impression of their abilities and echoing the words of Declan Kidney after last week's clash, Munster manager Jerry Holland commented yesterday: "They (Bridgend) are a side who are under a degree of pressure but are probably only a pass away from winning a match as well.

"Their performances have been patchy but they have the ability to have the sort of day when they could clean you out."

So for beginners at any rate Munster will need to apply the basics and play for territory to subdue any revolt as quickly as possible.

You might not be wagering the mortgage on Munster at the odds available, but more pertinently they should have enough desire and ability to pull through again.

MUNSTER: J Staunton; J Kelly, M Mullins, J Holland, A Horgan; R O'Gara, P Stringer; P Clohessy, F Sheahan, J Hayes, M Galwey (capt), P O'Connell, J Williams, A Foley. Replacements: M Horan, J Blaney, M O'Driscoll, M Prendergast, R Henderson, K K eane.

BRIDGEND: A Durston; G Jones, G Thomas, J Devereux, Daniel Jones; C Warlow, J Hewlett; C Loader, G Williams, C Noon, Deiniol Jones, C Stephens, N Budgett, R Bryan, J Ringer. Replacements: C Ferris, J Thiel, P Clapham, S van Rensburgh, H Harries, C Rees , G Fennell.

Referee: D Mene (France).

Previous meetings: (2001-2) Bridgend 12, Munster 16.

Formguide: Munster: 28-23 v Castres (h), 24-8 v Harlequins (a), 16-12 v Bridgend (a). Bridgend: 24-30 v Harlequins (h), 23-35 v Castres (a), 12-16 v Munster (h).

Leading try scorers: Munster - Jason Holland 2. Bridgend - Adrian Durston, Dafydd James, Maama Molitika, Chris Stephens 1 each.

Leading points scorers: Munster - Ronan O'Gara 45. Bridgend - Adrian Durston 18.

Betting (Paddy Powers): Handicap odds (= Bridgend +20 pts) 10/11 Munster, 16/1 Draw, 10/11 Bridgend.

Forecast: Munster to win.

Leicester coach Dean Richards said yesterday criticism of flanker Neil Back following last month's dismal Six Nations defeat against Ireland in Dublin was unjustified.

Leicester forward Back took over the England captaincy from the injured Matt Dawson just before half-time, but could not prevent his side blowing a third successive Grand Slam bid as they lost 20-14. Richards said Back, appointed England's captain for the November 10th Twickenham encounter against Australia, had "never let anyone down".

Leicester will set a new tournament record of 10 straight wins if they beat French visitors Perpignan on Saturday.