John O'Sullivan talks to Leicester's coach Pat Howard ahead of this Saturday's clash with Munster

Pat Howard's eyes rolled in horror when the subject of his winning a match at Thomond Park was broached. The Australian-born Leicester coach pointed out he'd only ventured the information in the context of a reply to a question about winning at the Limerick venue. "Jeez, it wasn't the Heineken Cup or anything."

Howard played for the Wallabies against Munster - the visitors won convincingly - at Thomond Park during a tour match in 1996. Articulate and self-deprecating, he was quick to put distance between his playing days and Saturday's pivotal European Cup match when the Leicester Tigers hit town.

Stretched on a sofa at Leicester's training ground in Oadby, Howard is asked to tease out the issues surrounding what promises to be a wonderful clash between two of Europe's best clubs, never mind teams.

The first item on the agenda is a medical bulletin. Their Italian international tighthead prop Martin Castrogiovanni is nursing a shoulder injury while their young outhalf Ian Humphreys was replaced after 43 minutes of last weekend's victory over Cardiff with a hamstring twinge. The 24-year-old younger brother of the former Ireland outhalf David is expected to be available.

Howard will be hoping that's the case as he is without Andy Goode, while Paul Burke will be available but has just returned following a three-week layoff.

The team will be confirmed tomorrow evening, with Tom Varndell the only other player likely to be in the reckoning in addition to Burke and the match 22 against Cardiff.

Howard says, "There are a few injury concerns. Paul Burke looks like he is fit again. There are about 24 guys in the frame."

He pointed out even if Goode and Burke had been available Humphreys would probably have been his first choice: "He has been producing very well at home (Welford Road). It's a great test for him. As a player all you want to do is play on the big stage. If everyone does their jobs then the higher you go sometimes the easier it gets. I'm sure everyone will help Humphs; he's a little bit younger, a little bit more inexperienced.

"It's funny how his career has been similar to his brother's. He has graduated fairly late on (24); he's a late bloomer. He's still developing and I think he's got a long way to go. We have seen from day one he's got lots of talent and it's about him improving and improving. Obviously another few steps this week would be brilliant."

In a more general context Howard smiles: "It's a massive game. It's going to be a great occasion. Munster are a great side. This club loves the challenge that no one has won at Thomond Park; we love it. It's what you play rugby for. We know that if we play at our best we will win. We know if Munster play at their best they'll win. There'll be something small that will happen in the game and that will influence the result.

"We can score tries (30 in the last six games) and we defend well. I think that'll give us half a chance. In certain parts of the field we will be conservative, in certain parts we won't. You have to go and deal with the opportunities.

"You have to look at where they are vulnerable. There are certain things they defend very, very well and there are others where they have been broken. You can only go on what you've seen."

The subject of Thomond Park is peppered through the conversation, questions and answers. Howard tries to put it in context, albeit with a mischievous glint, what no other team has achieved in 26 European Cup matches at the Limerick citadel.

"It's just a field, it's just 15 guys. I know they know that and I know we know that. There's not as much mystery to it as you think. They (Munster) just turn up and want to win significantly. They play pretty well away from home too.

"Eventually all records go. I'm sure they talk about that every time they go out there. Munster don't just rock up and win. It means a hell of a lot to them.

"I am absolutely sure they will want to defend it with everything they've got and we'll go there with everything we have trying to turn them over: not because it's Thomond Park, not because it's Munster, because we need a win.

"I want us to play at our best and whatever result that produces so be it. Ah bugger it, I want to win."

The Leicester Mercury speculated yesterday that Leo Cullen might be returning home at the end of the season - the player hasn't made any decision - to rejoin Leinster, a significant loss to Leicester, according to his coach.

"He definitely hasn't signed with us. We'd love to keep him. I know Leinster are interested. He's been really good for us. The bloke had to step into Martin Johnson's shoes and he has done a fantastic job for us. He's got some difficult decisions to weigh up but we'd love to keep him."

The priority though remains Saturday and that small matter of the Munster match.