Back on track

The manner of their hard-fought victory over a dogged Llanelli Scarlets at Stradey Park will certainly have pleased both players and management alike. Overcoming the Armageddon-like elements and a stubborn opposition has catapulted Munster back into proceedings in Pool Five and indeed ahead of this weekend's return fixtures, the province find themselves in the lofty position of group leaders.

Lifeimi Mafi will be a key component for Munster during this Sunday’s Heineken Cup clash with Llanelli Scarlets.

Ideally Declan Kidney and his side will be hoping to account for a demoralised Scarlets side in Limerick on Sunday while at Adams Park Wasps will secure victory over their French opponents (without achieving that all-important bonus point).

Such an occurrence would leave the red province in a very strong position ahead of the Christmas break.

Prior to last weekend's game in Wales Llanelli were rocked by the news that influential number 10, Stephen Jones, was forced to miss the game through a neck injury.

The Welsh and British & Irish Lions star was an enormous loss for the home side and his absence cannot be underestimated. The out-half is expected to be fit for the corresponding fixture in Limerick this weekend and his fitness could have a huge bearing on proceedings.

Poor decision making at crucial times greatly hampered the Welsh side's ability to perform last Saturday and with the weather being a great leveller, this lack of experience appeared to make all the difference.

Jones' ability to unleash the talent outside him, namely the explosive Mark Jones, Regan King and Morgan Stoddart, will be crucial to the visitors' style of play. If passed fit, this influential playmaker will quieten the Thomond roar.

Fitness doubts

For the home side, fitness doubts are also hampering pre-match proceedings. Try-scoring hero David Wallace was forced to leave the field of play during injury-time last weekend following a heavy knock to the arm. Though a scan on Monday revealed no long-term damage, doubts still remain over his ability to recover in time for Sunday's clash. With the in-form Alan Quinlan already sidelined for up to two months, this scare could hardly have come at a worse time.

Wallace looked back to his best last weekend following an indifferent World Cup. His ability to break the gain line with ball in hand will be vital to Munster's game plan.

In the absence of the injured Quinlan, a rejuvenated Anthony Foley once again defied the odds. Sublime last weekend both in the loose and on the floor, the former captain gave a masterful performance.

Even his presence appeared to revitalise the entire squad, with Denis Leamy looking more relaxed alongside his old back-row partner. Foley's intelligence and cool-head was evident for all to see. His coach and captain will be hoping for more of the same this weekend.

In the middle of the field, the centre pairing of Lifeimi Mafi and Rua Tipoki is growing in stature with every game. Initially doubts were raised over the defensive alignments of this partnership, however as each minute passes this Kiwi duo are beginning to grow in stature.

Their slight of hand (and of feet) are causing countless problems for opposition defences and the thought of Doug Howlett joining in the mix next month is one to savour.

If Munster are to progress to the knock-out stages of this year's tournament, then realistically they require three victories from their next three games. Sunday's home clash against the Scarlets will be followed up in the New Year with a daunting trip away to Clermont Auvergne.

The last game of the Pool is the mouth-watering clash at home to Wasps. While Kidney's side have never been ones to look beyond the next game the thought of winning all three games, even now, seems nigh impossible. However, as in the past, Munster have proved to be masters of the impossible.

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