Munster on the try trail

In eschewing the social niceties about not under-estimating any team, Munster simply have to pile on the points tonight. Gloucester managed to rack up 80 in the away fixture and in the event Munster do not top this group then try-scoring exploits will be essential to progression.

It's not rocket science to suggest Ronan O'Gara won't be lining up too many penalty opportunities in the direction of the posts. The home side face the perennial problem associated with any team expected to win handsomely, actually fulfilling that obligation.

There will be frustration, the enemy of the twin attributes that Munster require at Musgrave Park, precision and patience. In dismissing Viadana's hopes of winning, it would be churlish not to recognise that they gave Perpignan a decent game in France and still managed to score three tries against Gloucester.

They possess a couple of Italian internationals, wing Roberto Pedrazzi and flanker Aaron Persico. Munster would do well to recall that in last season's Shield the Italian champions beat Bourgoin and Neath.

Munster's pack will be charged with laying a disciplined foundation, second rows Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell and flanker Alan Quinlan required to focus on their game-breaking skills.

Munster need O'Gara to be at his best, creating space for those outside, in particular Mike Mullins.

In the replacements James Blaney has a bronchial problem and so John Fogarty stands by while Denis Leamy has failed to shrug off a thigh injury. Eddie Halvey will deputise.

MUNSTER: J Staunton; M Lawlor, M Mullins, J Holland, A Horgan; R O'Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, F Sheahan, J Hayes; D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell; J Williams (capt), A Foley, A Quinlan. Replacements: J Fogarty, S Kerr, M O'Driscoll, E Halvey, M Prendergast, K Keane, C McMahon.

VIADANA: C Steyn; M Dolcetto, G Frasca, H Crane, R Pedrazzi; R Pickering, P Roux; M Savi, E De Bellis, L Bocchini; R Denhardt, F Gumiero; M Phillips (capt), D Farani, A Persico. Replacements: P Spina, V Jimenez, C Bezzi, M Avigni, S Aio, A Accorsi, P Bettati.

Referee: H Watkins (Wales).

Previous meetings: None.

EC formguide: Munster - lost to Gloucester (a) 35-16; bt Perpignan (h) 30-21. Viadana - lost to Perpignan (a) 46-27; lost to Gloucester (h) 80-28.

Leading try scorers: Munster - P Stringer, J Kelly, A Quinlan, J Hayes 1 each. Viadana - C Steyn, G Frasca 2 each.

Leading points scorers: Munster - R O'Gara 26. Viadana - Casper Steyn 26.

Odds: handicap Viadana + 48 points. 10/11 Munster 16/1 draw 10/11 Viadana.

Forecast: Munster to win.

Munster v Viadana

Musgrave Park, 7.30