Donal Lenihan
MUNSTER's red army have endured and enjoyed some very demanding and memorable trips around the playing fields of Europe over the last decade but those charged with breaking new ground by travelling to Toulon this weekend are in for a special treat.
Despite the changes that have taken place in Thomond Park since Swansea came calling back in November 1995 for that first ever Heineken cup encounter, the Limerick venue still enjoys a special aura and reputation as one of the unique rugby amphitheatres around in the world, enhanced even further in recent times by those famous nights against New Zealand in 2008 and Australia this season.
On Sunday next the Munster supporters will witness something equally unique in a setting and an atmosphere all of its own. The Stade Felix-Mayol – named after the singer of the same name who sold some of the rights to his songs back in 1919 to enable the purchase of the site and the construction of the stadium – is situated bang in the centre of the city, overlooking the magnificent harbour and incorporates a massive shopping centre.
While it currently accommodates only 13,700 – soon to be expanded to 22,000 if the clubs owner Mourad Boudjellal has anything to do with it – the local support are recognised as one of the most vocal and passionate in France. The scene is set just prior to kick off by the enactment of the famous “Pilou Pilou” war cry, which was created by a local player Marcel Bodrero just after the Second World War. It is likened to a spectator version of the New Zealand Haka and sends the crowd into a frenzy just prior to kick off. A cheerleader chants the words from the centre of the field and the crowd respond in time honoured fashion. I am certainly looking forward to experiencing that for the first time and hope the Sky cameras come early to capture the moment for all watching at home.
On the field the mind games have already started with Toulon coach Philippe Saint-Andre stating that all the pressure is on Munster and that their primary focus is on the French championship. I don’t believe that for a moment. Saint-Andre has suffered on too many occasions at the hands of Munster to roll over on his home patch. For him, this game is personal.
I recently spoke to a player agent who shared a meal with the former Sale coach down in Toulon over the summer. It was clear from his reaction that night when Munster’s name came up that while he admires what Munster are all about, he would love nothing better than to give them a right good stuffing.
All in all this promises to be one explosive game and indeed a compelling experience for all of us lucky enough to witness it.
Source: http://feeds.examiner.ie/~r/iesportsblog/~3/5zWWx-FhwBU/post.aspx
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