Five reasons why Munster supporters should not worry

Barry Coughlan

OVER the years, Munster have had to go through large chunks of the season without key players - and survived - on big European days without Peter Clohessy, Anthony Foley, Mick Galwey, Paul O’Connell and Ronan O’Gara.

This weekend they’re missing Doug Howlett, the latest injury victim, along with Keith Earls and Felix Jones, who would probably have filled the back three positions in the side.

But of all the teams in Europe, Munster are the great survivors, and the look on Paul O’Connell’s face at a press conference in Limerick this week was one of steely determination.

Here’s five reasons why Munster supporters should not worry:

1. Denis Hurley
The recent brilliant form of Denis Hurley, who will likely start at full back against the Welsh side. Tall, strong, exceptionally reliable under the high ball, Hurley poses a big attacking threat from deep and he’s the kind of strike runner that Llanelli might have difficulty dealing with.

2. Strength in depth
The confidence in players like Danny Barnes, Simon Zebo or Johne Murphy filling in the two wing positions. Coach Tony McGahan actually does have some strike force left.

3. Hard work
It’s probable that Will Chambers and Lifeimi Mafi will team up in midfield and it’s a potent threat to Llanelli. The southern hemisphere duo have been spending the week analysing film and working on their defensive alignment.

4. Ronan O’Gara
O’Connell will look to half backs Conor Murray and particularly Ronan O’Gara to pull the strings. O’Gara? He’s such a match-winner that the Scarlets, even with Rhys Priestland in such brilliant form, will be wondering what the darling of Munster and Irish rugby will come up with to win the game.

5. The scrum
But the skipper hopes to have other aces in the Munster pack. The Munster scrum has improved immeasurably in the past 12 months from being a liability to a huge threat. The Scarlets probably have a bit more to offer in the back division following the loss of key Munster players, but they can’t play without the ball. And that’s just what O’Connell hopes they’re going to have to do!

Source: http://feeds.examiner.ie/~r/iesportsblog/~3/leoACFNUh3g/post.aspx

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