Pontypridd go all out to arrest Munster run

Europe has not been a happy hunting ground for Pontypridd: indeed for seven of their players the view of the valleys on their return home from the game against Colomiers must have been sweet - they had been arrested by French police after some night-time shenannigans.

In scenes reminiscent of the "Battle of Brive" two years before, the efforts of several players to gain entry to a nightclub culminated in the Pontypridd seven being carted off by the gendarmerie, although the owner of the club did not press charges.

Of the seven who were detained four will be on duty when Munster visit Sardis Road for today's Heineken European Cup match - props Mike Griffiths and Sven Cronk, wing Roy Greenslade-Jones and number eight Dale McIntosh.

Pontypridd could ill afford off-the-field distractions, having managed just a single victory in five European matches to date.

Denied any positive motivation for today's encounter, the Welsh side may relish the opportunity of achieving something no other team has managed in this pool, defeating Munster. While it might be something of a hollow gesture, the challenge should galvanise Pontypridd to a committed performance. Despite their problems in Europe, they currently lead the Welsh-Scottish League and field a team containing nine internationals.

Munster's 32-10 victory over today's opponents at Musgrave Park flattered the home side and there was enough evidence to suggest in that game that any mental or physical chinks in the Irish province's armour today will be exploited. The Welsh side demonstrated tremendous flair and innovation in possession and their willingness to move the ball at every opportunity makes them dangerous.

The visitors will look for a more structured game, looking to tire the Pontypridd pack through constant physical contact and thus deny them the opportunities to spin the ball wide. The presence of Anthony Foley, restored to full health following a leg muscle injury, is important. Munster's primary ball carriers are in for a busy afternoon.

Those who question the desire of a team already ensconced in the quarter-finals do not know Munster coach Declan Kidney - nor his players: success breeds success and Munster won't want to carelessly toss away the momentum of an unbeaten run.

Their determination is underlined in a team unchanged from that which picked the pocket of Saracens last Saturday. Bumps, bruises and strains that have afflicted Peter Stringer, Dominic Crotty, Mike Mullins, Ronan O'Gara, John Hayes, Mick Galwey, David Wallace and Foley have not forced any of them from the starting line-up.

Munster need to maintain the focus, re-ignite the desire to win and force one last 80 minutes from tired minds and limbs. The quarter-finals do not take place until April and no-one involved in the Munster camp will want a marvellous pool campaign tainted by defeat. On a more tangible level, victory carries the carrot of a possible top-two seeding.

Kidney will call for the qualities that hallmarked Munster's progress this season, discipline, heart and a positive attitude: these allied to the latent talent have proved an irresistible cocktail. Once again Galwey will be called upon to inspire his charges, John Langford to provide the ammunition, Foley, Keith Wood and Alan Quinlan to punch the holes and out-half Ronan O'Gara to consistently nudge the scoreboard along.

While acknowledging that Pontypridd will be difficult to beat at home it would be churlish to suddenly doubt Munster's credentials. They have earned the right to the mantle of favouritism to complete a perfect six.

Pool Four

PONTYPRIDD: B Davey; G Wyatt, F Parker, J Bryant, R Greenslade-Jones; L Jarvis, P John (capt); M Griffiths, A Lamerton, S Cronk, G Prosser, I Gough, G Lewis, D McIntosh, R Field.

MUNSTER: D Crotty; J Kelly, J Holland, M Mullins, A Horgan; R O'Gara, P Stringer; P Clohessy, K Wood, J Hayes, M Galwey, J Langford, A Quinlan, A Foley, D Wallace.

Referee: C Giacomel (Italy)

European Record 1999-2000: Pontypridd: L L L W L. Munster: W W W W W.

Leading points scorers: 72 R O'Gara (Munster). 50 L Jarvis (Pontypridd).

Match Odds (Paddy Powers): Pontypridd 7/4, Munster 4/9, Draw 18/1. Handicap: Pontypridd plus six, 5/6; Munster minus six, 5/6; Draw 16/1.

Connacht entertain runaway pool winners Ebbw Vale in the European Conference at the Sportsground today. Coach Glenn Ross makes one late change in introducing Colm Rigney for Gavin Webster, whose foot problem means that he will not start the match, dropping to the bench. Scrum-half Steve McIvor has a touch of flu so Blackrock College scrum-half James Ferris stands by.

Ebbw Vale include Ireland A international scrum-half Guy Easterby, elder brother of Llanelli flanker Simon, who was recently called into the preliminary Irish squad.

The Welsh side should win.