Munster Fans Turn Cardiff Red

The streets of Cardiff were thronged with red clothed Munster supporters ahead of the Heineken Cup clash with Toulouse, Saturday 5pm.

And the roads leading leading into the Welsh capital were reported to be choc a bloc as the estimated 50,000 Munster supporter descended on the city in every manner of vehicle imaginable.

Meanwhile the Munster squad slipped quietly into Cardiff Airport earlier today arriving on their special Aer Arann charter just before midday. The then went to the match venue for a walkabout that took place as Declan Kidney and Paul O’Connell attended the official teams announcement alongside Fabien Pelous and coach Guy Noves.

There were no real surprises when the teams were announced, Kidney keeping faith with the XV that started in the game against Saracens although once again, causing some surprise with his inclusion of youngster Keith Earls on the bench ahead of the likes of Kieran Lewis or Shaun Payne.

The other change to the match day squad sees Tony Buckley come in for Federico Pucciariello who has not been able to fully shrug off a stomach bug.

Kidney is under no illusions about the task facing his side. “It’s a massive ask.It really is. Everyone really models themselves on Toulouse and the passion and the skill they play with. They present the ultimate challenge, but it has been like that for us ever since the pool draw was made 11 months ago.

“We  just have to roll up our sleeves and go to work again.”

Kidney added. “It doesn’t get any easier but it is an absolute privilege to be involved.”

Munster: D Hurley; D Howlett, L Mafi, R Tipoki, I Dowling; R O’Gara, T O’Leary; M Horan, J Flannery, J Hayes; D O’Callaghan, P O’Connell (capt); A Quinlan, D Wallace, D Leamy. Replacements: F Sheahan, T Buckley, M O’Driscoll, D Ryan, P Stringer, P Warwick, K Earls

Toulouse: C Heymans; M Medard, M Kunavore, Y Jauzion, Y Donguy; J-B Elissalde, B Kelleher; D Human, W Servat, S Perugini; F Pelous (capt), P Albacete; J Bouilhou, T Dusautoir, S Sowerby Replacements: A Vernet Basualdo, J-B Poux, R Millo-Chluski, Y Nyanga, F Fritz, M Ahotaeiloa, V Courrent