| Rugby Focus - 8th May 2008 |
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| Written by Donagh O'Herlihy | ||||
| Thursday, 08 May 2008 | ||||
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Foley dilemmaAnother dilemma for Kidney to ponder over is the decision whether or not to include Anthony Foley in the match-day 22. Earlier this year, Foley announced his retirement from the game effective immediately at the end of this season. Having captained the side to glory in Cardiff two years ago, the Shannon stalwart went on to collect his 200th cap for Munster last week against Ulster in Ravenhill. If the match against Toulouse is a tight-affair, as most people are predicting, then will the coach opt for the experience of Foley or will he persist with the versatile Donncha Ryan. Two years ago a similar case occurred and Kidney opted with Alan Quinlan over Stephen Keogh. It will be interesting to see which way he goes this time. Again, the clash against Glasgow in Musgrave Park may allow both individuals a chance to sway the coach's decision. ScarletsLast weekend against the Scarlets, Munster were accused of taking their eye off the task in-hand as they trailed by fifteen points at half-time. However a spirited comeback was capped off by a superb fifty-yard injury-time penalty by Paul Warwick, as the province recorded an unlikely victory away from home. With Saturday evening's game offering the squad a last chance to perfect things before the Heineken Cup Final, it's imperative that Munster prepare for the game in their usual professional manner. Untimely injuries and niggling knocks can often occur if an individual losses focus. As well as being mentally tuned-in for the Toulouse game, Kidney will also be anxious for his squad to be physically prepared too, so expect a number of the high profile players to start. Over the years, Glasgow have provided little in terms of competitive opposition against Munster on Irish soil. Indeed their 26-20 win in Thomond Park two seasons ago was their only victory away to Munster in the history of this competition. Languishing in mid-table with their Heineken Cup status already secured for next season, the Warriors have little or nothing to play for. With the likes of Dan Parks and Bernardo Stortoni in the squad, the visitors certainly have the talent to trouble the home team. However history sides against the Scottish franchise and with a European Cup Final to look forward to and a coach to impress ahead of the selection date, this Munster side should have all the motivation they need to press for a moral-boosting victory. |
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