Border Reivers v Munster Netherdale, 7.30As Leinster discovered, there is no such thing as a cast-iron certainty when it comes to winning but a tilt at the Border Reivers is rarely the most onerous of assignments. In their last outing the Scottish side shipped 48 points without reply against the Dragons.
However, during the international break this weekend, they have nine internationals in their squad to face Munster who they lost 9-8 to at Thomond Park in the second game of the season. They also welcome back Stuart Moffat to their starting line-up having completed a loan spell with Castres. Coach Steve Bates is upbeat: "We have gone the whole of January without a game at Netherdale . . . The last month has been a tough one as a result of all the travelling we did but many of our young aspiring professionals have improved over that period."
Munster will recall the Borders ran them to within a point, 9-8, at Thomond Park earlier in the season. International commitments deprive Munster of their first-choice pack but the presence of Frankie Sheahan, Freddie Pucciariello, Mick O'Driscoll, Chris Wyatt and Alan Quinlan underline their strength in depth.
Darragh Hurley has offered a glimpse of his ability while there is an opportunity for Jeremy Manning and Tomás O'Leary to mature as players. Christian Cullen, a try scorer against Connacht, is at fullback with Shaun Payne shifting to the wing.
The news that Barry Murphy's midfield sidekick in the Ireland A team, Kieran Lewis, is to arrive during the summer, means opportunities to start among the fringe backs are to be much sought after. Lifeimi Mafi is Munster's joint leading try scorer in the Magners Celtic League this season. Jerry Flannery is named on the bench but should get some game time.
Borders have long been cast adrift at the foot of the table but their pride demands they won't accede easily. Munster will win, possibly with a bonus point to boot.
BORDERS REIVERS: C MacRae; S Moffat; B MacDougall, N de Luca, S Danielli, S Jones, R Chrystie; R Grant, S Scott, E Kalman; O Palepoi, J Dalziel; S Newlands, A Miller, S Gray. Replacements: R Ford, B Douglas, R Vernon, S Forrest, B McKerchar, G Townsend, G Law.
MUNSTER: C Cullen; S Payne, B Murphy, L Mafi, I Dowling; J Manning, T O'Leary; D Hurley, F Sheahan, F Pucciariello; M O'Driscoll, C Wyatt; A Quinlan, T McGann, J Coughlan. Replacements: T Buckley, J Flannery, D Ryan, M Melbourne, B O'Meara, E Hickey, M Lawler.
Referee: J Jones (Wales).
Leading point scorers: Border Reivers - Calum MacRae 68. Munster - Jeremy Manning 63.
Leading try scorers: Border Reivers - Simon Danielli 3. Munster - Lifeimi Mafi, David Wallace, Tomas O'Leary 2 each.
Verdict: Munster to win.
