Munsters will be taking on the injury stuck Cardiff Blues tomorrow night with Munsters looking forward for a smooth ride to for Magners League play-offs on Friday night. Munsters though will have to coup up with Cardiff Blues,
who currently are facing a make or break situation with them wanting a win to help their cause to be among the top four of the table. Blues have five more matches to play and the Friday encounter would probably set a path for their route to the top fours in
the league.
Although on top of the table Munsters have some serious work ahead of them as beating blues on their own territory remained a daunting task for them. Out of their last six clashes Munsters were only able to secure a win back in
2005 when they beat Blues 18-16 during the Magners League’s game. Furthermore, in this season Blues only defeat in last six matches of Magners League came in their match against Ulster on 25 February when the later win by the margin of 13-32. Interestingly
at Cardiff city stadium, Blues were last defeated also by Ulster on 21 November. Meanwhile, Munster who has failed on all of their last trip to Wales has last lost in the 18-19 against Treviso on 13 February.
With both team preparing themselves to put their best show, both teams are strengthened by the return of the international players. For Blues Leigh Halfpenny has been named on the wing and for front row John Yapp has been recalled.
Martyn William will continue as open side in place of Injured Sam Warburton who is expected to mis four to six weeks with a knee injury sustained during Wales 28 – 9 defeat against France during recently completed Six Nations Cup. Additionally Jamie Roberts,
Bradley Davies and Dan Parks are also available after being relieved of their duties with Wales and Scotland respectively at the end of Six Nations Cup.
Munster also has included number of their international stars in the squad, with skipper Paul O’Connell joined in the starting line-up by fly-half Ronan O’Gara and No.8 Denis Leamy. In other news Felix Jones after recovering from the serious knee injury
has been included in the squad for the 1st time this year. Conor Murray has also been selected to play and most probably will form a half back partnership with O Gara. Murray recently was given a game against Newport Gwent Dragons that Munster won
38 – 17.
After this weekend clash Munsters will also have to face the challenge of Leinster, Scarlets and Ospreys with Leinster and Ospreys among the top four teams in the league and surely will provide Munsters with stiff challenge. Just
like the England – Ireland game, Munsters will fall prey to the home crowd pressure of Cardiff Blues that will set Blues on road for the place in the final top four.