Match Preview – Munster v Llanelli

Munster and Llanelli will kick-off their bid for the Celtic League title when they meet for the most eagerly awaited match in Europe this weekend at Stradey Park in Llanelli.

Munster and Llanelli will kick-off their bid for the Celtic League title when they meet at Stradey Park in Llanelli on Saturday.

Australian Alan Gaffney takes his side to Llanelli’s famous ground for the most eagerly awaited match in Europe this weekend. Munster face an awesome task at a venue every bit as formidable as Thomond Park “I went there last year with Leinster – great ground, great team,” said Alan Gaffney. “And as we won 19-17 in the final minutes, I wouldn’t mind the same result this week.”

Players to Watch:

For Llanelli

Stephen Jones (Out-half) is always going to be a threat to Munster, his ability to put the ball between the posts from almost anywhere, could see Llanelli putting some early points on the board. Matthew J Watkins (Center) is a new signing for Llanelli, he joins them from Newport and looked a very promising prospect when Llanelli beat the Leeds Tykes recently in a pre-season friendly.

For Munster

New Munster singing Eddie Halvey (Wing-forward), should be a joy to watch, his ability to pick off players with crunching tackles will indeed be of great benefit to Munster. Another new signing & hot prospect for Munster is Simon Kerr (Prop-forward) who is on the bench tomorrow. The big man from Queensland is expected to make an appearance. Simon will quickly make his presence felt in the scrum, and I am sure will even do Peter Clohessy proud!.

Last Meeting:

Munster and Llanelli met in the quarter final of the Celtic league in 2001 in Thomond Park, Limerick with Munster emerging 13-6 winners. Mike Prendergast, the try scorer for Munster.

The Teams:

Munster

(Dominic Crotty), (John Kelly), (Mike Mullins), (Rob Henderson), (Mossie Lawlor), (Ronan O’Gara), (Peter Stringer), (Marcus Horan), (James Blaney), (John Hayes), (Donnacha O’Callaghan), (Mick O’Driscoll), (Eddie Halvey), (Alan Quinlan), (Anthony Foley) (Capt.).

Replacements – (John Fogarty), (Simon Kerr), (Colm McMahon), (Mick Galwey), (Dominic Malone), (Jason Holland), (Jeremy Staunton).

Llanelli

(Garan Evans), (Mark Jones), (Matthew J Watkins), (Matt Cardey), (Salesi Finau), (Stephen Jones), (Guy Easterby), (Scott Quinnell), (Ian Boobyer), (Simon Easterby), (Paul Clapham), (Vernon Cooper) (Capt), (Martyn Madden), (Robin McBryde), (Iestyn Thomas)

Replacements – (John Davies), (Marcus Thomas), (Bryn Griffiths), (Dafydd Jones), (Dwayne Peel), (Gareth Bowen), (Barry Davies).

Prediction:

This will be a very tough game as both teams are fielding their strongest squad, including their international players. The first 60 minutes will be fast and hard-hitting with the team with the superior fitness emerging as winners. Munsterrugby.ie Prediction: Munster to win by 6 points.

Kick-off: 19.05 (GMT) Venue: Stradey Park, Llanelli, Wales. Conditions: Dry Conditions Expected. TV Coverage: S4C Referee: Rob Dixon (SRU)

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