Heineken Cup Qualification The Spur For Cardiff

Cardiff Blues coach David Young has yet to finalise his side for the Celtic League clash with Munster citing injuries as the reason for the delay.

Cardiff Blues coach David Young has yet to finalise his side for the Celtic League clash with Munster citing injuries as the reason for the delay.

Nick Walne and Shaun James both have shoulder injuries and Rhys Williams has picked up a leg strain training with Wales. The side will be captained by Craig Quinnell who will be looking to maintain his 100% record having led the Blues when they defeated the Scarlets and Glasgow at the Arms Park in November.

For Cardiff the incentive is to improve their position in the league table or face the prospect of playing in the Parker Pen next season while Munster simply have to win to keep their title hopes alive.

If we can win our five games, hopefully it will help us qualify automatically for Europe or through a play-off,” said Blues captain Quinnell.

“But we have to concentrate on each game individually rather than looking too far ahead. This starts with Munster. They are always a tough team and the come here today looking for a win to maintain their Celtic League ambitions.

“They will be favourites going into the game, but we want to spoil their party. We still have a lot of injuries going into the game and it is going to be tough, but we can do it.”

Munster Munster. C Cullen; J Kelly, S Payne, R Henderson, A Horgan; P Burke, M Prendergast; M Horan, F Sheahan, G McIlwham; T Bowman, T Hogan; J Williams, D Wallace, S Keogh.

Replacements: F Roche, J Flannery, T Hayes, A Quinlan, E Reddan, J Holland, P Devlin.