This weekend's clash against London Wasps is one of the biggest games in Munster's Heineken Cup history. Victory by more than two points (provided they match their opponents with tries scored) will secure a passage into the quarter-finals for a record tenth season in a row.

However, securing this vital win will be easier said than done. Wasps will arrive in Limerick next weekend full of confidence following the demolition of a depleted Llanelli Scarlets last Sunday.

Lawrence Dallaglio and co are well aware of the dangers posed by this Munster side, their epic victory over the Red Province at Lansdowne Road in the 2004 European Cup semi-final is testament to that. Thomond Park will provide a different threat and the visitors will need to combat the intensity and home town atmosphere that are sure to greet them. All in, it promises to be a classic encounter.

While failing to leave a lasting impression on their domestic league this season, Wasps have been scintillating in Europe. Out-half Danny Cipriani has proved a revelation over the last four months. The number 10 will be pushing Jonny Wilkinson for a starting place on the English side during the forthcoming Six Nations. Cipriani poses a speed of thought and slight of hand rarely seen from an out-half on this side of the equator. Comfortable at numbers ten or fifteen, the Wasps playmaker threatens defences from every angle of play. Messrs Leamy and Wallace will be assured of a very busy evening.

Outside Cipriani in the backline, Ricky Flutey and Fraser Waters have been the in-form centre pairing in the Northern Hemisphere this season. Flutey signed from London Irish during the close season and Ian McGeechan has converted the Kiwi from a mediocre out-half into an unstoppable first centre. However a reoccurring hamstring injury forced Flutey from the field during last Sunday's victory and the Wasps backroom staff face an anxious few days as his recovery is monitored closely.

Fraser Waters at thirteen has been defying the critics all year. A few weeks shy of his thirty-second birthday, Waters has been in free scoring mode all season, both in the Guinness Premiership and in Europe. The England international is deadly from broken play and his ability to read the game quicker than others has unlocked many defences over the last few months.

Up front the visitors will look to the old reliables. Phil Vickery, Raphael Ibanez, Simon Shaw and Lawrence Dallaglio will relish the opportunity to spoil the party in Limerick. Seasoned internationals all, this quartet will provide the experience and guile required to overturn Munster at home for only the second time in their history. However, the main threat could well lie in their relatively unknown back-row duo of Tom Rees and James Haskell. Their combination of power and pace has caused havoc throughout Europe and defences are struggling to match them. With a leader of Dallaglio's qualities alongside offering guidance and support, this duo could make all the difference on Saturday evening.

For the home side the mission is simple enough. Dominate the opposition up-front, get a firm stranglehold on possession and allow Ronan O'Gara to pin the opposition back in the corners. It's imperative that Munster dictate the pace of the game. If they can keep Wasps on the back foot and in a constant defensive mode, then inevitable penalties and opportunities will ensue and the game will be theirs for the taking. Munster are masters of grinding out difficult victories, but in Wasps they will encounter the ultimate adversary. Something has to give.

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