Munster v Wasps: Teams
Munster's Donncha O'Callaghan does not believe that Thomond Park's reputation will bother Wasps in Saturday's Heineken Cup shootout.
Last Updated: 18/01/08 12:58pm
Munster second row Donncha O'Callaghan does not believe that Thomond Park's fearsome reputation will bother Wasps in Saturday's Heineken Cup shootout.
Munster have lost just once at the ground in the competition - with Leicester ending their winning run there last season - but with a passionate home crowd set to be crammed in, Wasps are likely to be greeted by a less than genial Irish welcome.
However veteran second row O'Callaghan believes Wasps will not be effected by the atmosphere.
He told the club's website: "They're the champions. A really good side. They're top of the Pool and they hold the whip-hand. I don't think coming to Limerick will bother them at all.
"They came to Dublin 2004, played in front of a huge Munster support and won. So they'll feel they can do it again.
"But for me, it's a case of looking to my own game, concentrating on that and nothing else. The same goes for the rest of the lads. Yes, we will spend a deal of time looking at the videos of their games. Looking back on the game in the Ricoh [which Wasps win 24-23], see what areas can be be improved.
Improved
"Just as importantly, we will be looking at their more recent games because things will have changed from the Ricoh. That was early days, their lads just back from the World Cup and they'll have improved from then.
"But hopefully so have we. I think it's going to be a great occasion. It seems we always have these sorts of games to wind up the Pool stages, Leicester last year, Gloucester and Sale before that."
Munster coach Declan Kidney has opted to name the same starting XV from the one just edged out at Clermont the previous week.
Riki Flutey has failed in his bid to make the Wasps line-up to face Munster.
The New Zealander tweaked his hamstring in the 40-7 victory over Llanelli in round five of fixtures - however he has not been able to shake off the injury in time for the crunch tie.
Flutey joins England international Joe Worsley on the sidelines, although both injuries are not as serious as first feared.
Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan told the club's website: "Joe is progressing very well in recovering from a neck injury.
"Riki's hamstring injury is not as bad as we first thought, but it was just too soon to get him back for this weekend."
Biggest
Wasps, who have recalled Josh Lewsey and Rob Hoadley to their starting line-up, know exactly what they need to do to reach the last eight - win.
However, McGeechan knows that that is easier said than done at Thomond Park.
He said: "Obviously this is our the biggest game of the season so far, and with Wasps' and Munster's fine record in the Heineken Cup, we both know the importance of games like this one.
"Munster are a team with an outstanding European record, we have huge respect for them and what they have achieved in this competition and we will have to be on world class form to get anything from this game.
"The atmosphere will, I am sure, match the occasion. Looking back on our previous game in Coventry and beyond, our two clubs seem to be able to produce outstanding Heineken Cup games when we meet, and tomorrow will be another big occasion for both clubs."
Munster: 15 Shaun Payne, 14 Brian Carney, 13 Rua Tipoki, 12 Lifeimi Mafi, 11 Doug Howlett, 10 Ronan O'Gara (c), 9 Peter Stringer, 1 Marcus Horan, 2 Jerry Flannery, 3 John Hayes, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 5 Mick O'Driscoll, 6 Denis Leamy, 7 David Wallace,8 Anthony Foley.
Replacements: 16 Frank Sheahan, 17 Tony Buckley, 18 Donnacha Ryan, 19 Alan Quinlan, 20 Tomas O'Leary, 21 Paul Warwick, 22 Kieran Lewis.
Wasps: 15 Josh Lewsey, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Fraser Waters, 12 Rob Hoadley, 11 Dominic Waldouck, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Eoin Reddan, 1 Tim Payne, 2 Raphael Ibanez, 3 Phil Vickery, 4 Simon Shaw, 5 George Skivington, 6 James Haskell, 7 Tom Rees, 8 Lawrence Dallaglio (c).
Replacements: 16 Joe Ward, 17 Tom French, 18 Tom Palmer, 19 John Hart, 20 Mark McMillan, 21 David Doherty, 22 Mark van Gisbergen.