Munster to face a mirror image

If Munster were in any way narcissistic (and in truth they're not really) then they might allow themselves an admiring glance across the half-way line come 2.30 at Thomond Park this afternoon. For standing on the other side of the half-way line will almost be a mirror image of themselves.

Pontypridd, situated in the heart of the valleys, are akin to the pulse of the Welsh game. They are, however, not as fashionable as Cardiff, Llanelli and Swansea, hence the summer exodus to greener pastures of a quartet of internationals, including Neil Jenkins. Ponty, however, simply drew on their proud community spirit, and are currently cocking a snook at their richer brethren at the top of the Welsh/Scottish League.

Ever present in the European Cup, like Munster, Pontypridd's record over four years is almost identical as well, with nine wins and a draw apiece. At their imposing little fortress of Sardis Road, their record is especially good, and although their away travels have yielded three times as many wins as Munster, closer examination reveals that all of those were achieved in Scotland.

Munster, of course, are unbeaten in Euro fare at Thomond Park and in a competition where home advantage is strikingly relevant, the unique Thomond factor should come into play.

There is not likely to be much mutual admiration between the teams. Each side has seven internationals, and no less than Munster, Ponty have their grizzled old veterans such as 37-year-old former Lions prop Mike Griffiths, who along with Sven Cronk can crank it up, as can their Tongans, hooker Faoe Vunipola and replacement prop Nalu Tau, not to mention New Zealand- born flanker Dale McIntosh.

Somewhat surprisingly, Ponty have opted for their 19-year-old out-half Ceri Sweeney, a star of the Welsh side which made the FIRA under-19 final last season, ahead of Lee Jarvis, tormentor in chief when Cardiff eclipsed Munster in Cork two seasons ago.

Munster, meantime, have been obliged to move Mike Mullins to full back after Dominic Crotty failed a fitness test on his foot injury. Frankie Sheehan has also been ruled out, so Mark McDermott is on the bench.

No Irish side has ever gone into a Euro campaign in better shape, and while their draw has given Munster little or no margin for error, this is a must-win as well as a can-win.

FIXTURES - POOL D: Today: Munster v Pontypridd. Tomorrow: Colomiers v Saracens. Fri Nov 26th - Pontypridd v Colomiers. Sun Nov 28th - Saracens v Munster. Sat Dec 11th - Colomiers v Munster. Sun Dec 12th - Saracens v Pontypridd. Fri Dec 17th - Pontypridd v Saracens. Sat Dec 18th - Munster v Colomiers. Sat Jan 8th - Munster v Saracens. Sun Jan 9th - Colomiers v Pontypridd. Sat Jan 15th - Pontypridd v Munster. Sun Jan 16th - Saracens v Colomiers (3.00).

THE TEAMS

MUNSTER: M Mullins; J Kelly, K Keane, C Mahoney, A Horgan; R O'Gara, P Stringer; P Clohessy, K Wood, J Hayes, M Galwey (capt), J Langford, A Quinlan, A Foley, D Wallace. Replacements - M McDermott, M Horan, D O'Callaghan, E Halvey, T Tierney, J Holland, J Staunton.

PONTYPRIDD: B Davey; R GreensladeJones, J Bryant, J Colderley, G Wyatt; C Sweeney, P John (capt); M Griffiths, F Vunipola, S Cronk, W James, I Gough, G P Lewis, D McIntosh, R Parkes. Replacements (from) - M Taylor, L Jarvis, J Lewis, S Parker, N Tau, G Williams, A Griffiths, R Sidoli, M Lloyd.

Referee: B Campsall (England).

Previous meetings: None.

Odds (Paddy Power): (Handicap Pontypridd +10pts) 5/6 Munster, 16/1 Draw, 5/6 Pontypridd.

Forecast: Munster to win.