Rugby European Cup: The comments of Perpignan captain Bernard Goutta indicate the visitors to Lansdowne Road this Saturday for the European Cup quarter-final could be in for a big surprise.
The Perpignan legend arrived in Catalonia as an infant from Morocco, but is now considered the regions rugby guru. The former groundsman at the Stade Aime Giral even acts as intermediary for other players' contract negotiations with chief executive Tarcisse Romer. Still, he appears to have underestimated the Red Army and their cause has not been helped either with the loss of injured outhalf Nicolas Laharrague (shoulder).
"We have played Munster four times in the Heineken Cup and won at home and lost away. As for home advantage, although we have never beaten Munster away, there are factors which make this year's game different. Firstly, we have never met them in the knock-out stages - it has always been during the pool matches where the pressure and expectation away from home is not the same as in the quarter-finals. The fact that Munster are playing in Dublin, and not in the fortress of Thomond Park, also makes it psychologically easier for us, knowing that in a way this is an away game for them too." Goutta clearly missed the epic 2004 semi-final against Wasps at Munster's supposed away venue.
It's easy to understand why he does not fear the windy old stadium. In 2003, Perpignan got a watered-down version of the Lansdowne Road experience, twice. First, they overcame a timid Leinster in the semi-finals (21-14). The crowd that day was pitifully silent as they followed the players lead and departed from Europe without a whimper. Granted, Leinster attitudes have dramatically improved this season. The ERC had a desperate time trying to market an all-French final in Dublin, which Toulouse eventually won, in front of just 28,600.
In fairness to Goutta, he did pay tribute to Munster achievements in the knock-out stages of European competition since 2001. He also has plenty of admiration for former team-mate Mick O'Driscoll, who returned to Munster last summer.
"Obviously we know Mick O'Driscoll well. He is a high quality player who was very successful at Perpignan, not just because of his performances on the pitch but in the way that he integrated himself into the team so quickly."
A highly motivated O'Driscoll will start on the blindside flank should Denis Leamy fail to recover from the ankle injury sustained in Twickenham. In the absence of the injured Barry Murphy, a decision is also required on the outside centre slot. Scrumhalf Tomás O'Leary was to be tried there last Saturday but the Celtic League fixture against Llanelli was postponed due to a waterlogged Stradey Park. Other options, Mike Mullins and Christian Cullen, are still some way off match fitness. Perpignan are currently fourth in the French league after an 18-15 victory over Bourgoin.
Leinster's opponents Toulouse remain second in the domestic table after beating Agen 19-7. Their All Black number eight, Isitolo Maka, is expected to recover from a calf strain.
Leinster coach Michael Cheika has no injury concerns but some difficult selection issues regarding left wing and blindside flanker. Denis Hickie and Cameron Jowitt are expected to start with Kieran Lewis, Rob Kearney and Eric Miller confined to the, albeit impressive, bench.
Connacht's Darren Yapp (hamstring) and Brendan O'Connor (ankle) are struggling to recover for Friday's Challenge Cup quarter-final against the Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park. However, prop Stephen Knoop has been passed fit after playing 20 minutes in last Friday's victory over the Borders.
Connacht are looking to reach the semi-finals for a third successive year. This season, the knock-out stages are played over only one match.
HEAD TO HEADS
TOULOUSE v LEINSTER: Played 4; Toulouse 3; Leinster 1; 1997/98 Pool stage: Leinster 25 Toulouse 34; Toulouse 38 Leinster 19; 2001/02 Pool stage: Leinster 40 Toulouse 10; Toulouse 43 Leinster 7.
MUNSTER v PERPIGNAN: Played 4; Munster 2; Perpignan 2; 1998/99 Pool stage: Perpignan 41 Munster 24; Munster 13 Perpignan 5; 2002/03 Pool stage: Munster 30 Perpignan 21; Perpignan 23 Munster 8.
