Imbued with the confidence of a stunning away victory over Saracens, Munster face Colomiers in Toulouse bolstered by genuine expectation. It contrasts sharply with traditional Irish forays to France which are viewed with trepidation, to be endured rather than enjoyed.
Today at the Stade Les Sept Deniers, Munster should not be shrivelled by an inferiority complex. Declan Kidney's men are the form team, unbeaten this season, displaying the sort of mental durability and physical prowess of a side that can compete at the business end of the Heineken European Cup. This match heralds an important six days for Munster - Colomiers travel to Musgrave Park next Friday - whereby an opportunity presents itself to all but guarantee a place in the quarterfinals.
Victory today would not only represent a priceless second away win but also prove a potentially dispiriting blow for the French side. Colomiers must win this afternoon, while defeat would be far from catastrophic for their visitors. The late defection of Peter Clohessy with a neck injury is a setback, softened by the ability of his replacement, former Ireland under-21 international Marcus Horan.
The Shannon prop lacks Clohessy's attritional scrumagging powers but Horan's ability with the ball in hand, his mobility and contribution around the pitch bear favourable comparison. To win, Munster require a typically ferocious performance from the pack, hallmarked by discipline. The exchanges up front will be abrasive as Colomiers gauge both their opponents and the referee.
Inspirational leadership is a prerequisite of winning teams and in this respect Munster are fortunate to boast a player of Mick Galwey's character. He will need to be constantly aware of the temperature on the pitch, stoking the fire when necessary, providing a verbal bucket of water on occasions. Set pieces should not be a concern, particularly out of touch where Australian John Landford's contribution has been pronounced.
Once again the back row will shoulder great expectations, a pressure with which they have coped admirably so far this season. Anthony Foley's dynamism is beginning to match his footballing acumen, David Wallace has been no less effective while Alan Quinlan completes a potent triumvirate. Half-backs Peter Stringer and Ronan O'Gara will be charged with dictating the ebb and flow of the game while the later will need continued accuracy with the boot.
Mike Mullins has been superb in the centre and he will play the senior partner to fellow New Zealander Jason Holland, deputising for the injured Killian Keane. Jeremy Staunton is a wonderfully gifted young player whose footballing education shouldn't suffer from his current role at full-back: choosing the correct counter-attacking opportunities is his most pressing task.
Colomiers enter this match seething at the treatment of prop Richard Nones, banned for two years after being found guilty of eye gouging. His appeal was rejected and informed speculation suggests that he will take a civil action against ERC Ltd. The absence, because of a groin injury, of influential captain and current French scrum-half Fabien Galthie comes as a further blow to the side beaten by Ulster in last season's European Cup final.
Colomiers lost a French Championship match away to Dax - they are still second in the league - and the previous weekend were well beaten by Pontypridd in Wales. They have some very talented players in Marc Biboulet, David Skrela and former international full-back Jean Luc Sadourny behind the scrum. Hooker Marc Dal Maso is the only national squad member up front. Colomiers start favourites, with Munster the most dangerous of underdogs.
Tomorrow in Paris, Leinster face Stade Francais, a side that twice beat them last season in the European Cup. Coach Mike Ruddock is fortunate that injuries to prop Emmet Byrne and wing Peter McKenna are not especially debilitating given the quality of Reggie Corrigan and Gordon D'Arcy respectively.
Leinster were abject in the opening 20 minutes against Glasgow Caledonians and thereafter left to rue several unconverted opportunities. It is time for the real Leinster to stand up. There has to be a clarity of purpose, an ability to make the most of chances and an honest work ethic over the 80 minutes.
Stade Francais are a team replete with quality. Christophe Dominici is the jewel in a quicksilver three quarter line, number eight Christophe Julliet the inspiration in the pack. If Leinster prove anything other than 100 per cent committed, then their embarrassment could exceed a 40-point concession.
Meanwhile Connacht are hosts to Toulon in the European Shield at the Sportsground today, desperately searching for a magic potion that would transform the season. Unlikely to progress from Pool D, the consolation now comes in 80-minute opportunities and they can ill afford to spurn another one.
COLOMIERS: JL Sadourny; M Biboulet, S Roque, J Sieurac, D Skrela; M Carre, F Culinat; JP Beyssen, M Dal Maso, W Begarie; G Moro, JM Lorenzi; B de Giusti (capt), S Peysson, P Tabacco.
MUNSTER: J Staunton; J Kelly, M Mullins, J Holland, A Horgan; R O'Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, K Wood, J Hayes; M Galwey (capt), J Langford; A Quinlan, A Foley, D Wallace.
Referee: C Rees (England).
