Munster Team to Face Perpignan

The Munster side to face Perpignan on Saturday shows just one change from the side beaten by Gloucester in Kingsholm.

The Munster side to face Perpignan on Saturday shows just one change from the side beaten by Gloucester in Kingsholm.

And that change – forced on the Munster selectors with the injury to Rob Henderson – sees the experienced Jason Holland return to a familiar role as partner to Mike Mullins in the centre. Killian Keane is added to the replacements.

Drawn in arguably the toughest pool, Munster coach Alan Gaffney, is conscious of the importance of the Saturday’s outcome. “No matter who’s in your group, in this competition you simply have to win your home games. Now we go into this game without points and I think that’s the first time we’ve been in that position for four or maybe five seasons. So we know exactly what’s required of us. Hendo aside, we’ve opted to run with the same side that played in Gloucester. OK people might say, because of injury, we had no choice, but we have total faith in this squad and I know they’ll deliver.”

“There’s no carryover from the Gloucester game. None at all. It’s in the past and now we move on. I always thought that the final scoreline flattered Gloucester, and that’s not taking anything away from them. They deserved their win. But having studied the video, there were several tight – and maybe some not so tight – decisions that went against us. So I’ve no doubts about these guys.

The boys have shipped a fair bit of criticism this week. Unjustified in my opinion. Questions have been asked, doubts about them have been raised and I’ve no doubt they’ll (Munster) answer the only way they know how.” Gaffney said. Perpignan arrive with a reputation as one of the better sides in the competition, a fact that doesn’t unduly concern Gaffney, “They’re a good side. I went out there to see them play a few weeks ago and they’re impressive. But I think it’s a good thing that we have such quality opposition immediately after last week because it’s a huge challenge and there’s nothing this side like better than a challenge.”

Munster Team to Face Perpignan:

J Staunton, J Kelly, M Mullins, J Holland, M Lawlor; R O’Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, F Sheahan, J Hayes, M Galwey, M O’Driscoll, J Williams (Capt), A Quinlan, A Foley.

Replacements: J Blaney, S Kerr, E Halvey, D Leamy, M Prendergast, D Crotty, K Keane.

Munster v Perpignan – Heineken Cup

Kick-off: Saturday, October 19th, 15:00 (GMT) Venue: Thomond Park, Limerick, Ireland.

Live Commentary will be available on Munsterrugby.ie from 15.00!