With two wins from their opening two games, Munster's quest for Magners League glory has started off on the right track. The hard-fought opening-day victory away to Edinburgh was quickly followed up by last weekend's resounding forty-four point defeat of Newport/Gwent Dragons.

Having registered nine points from a possible ten available, Paul O'Connell's side look well suited to launch a serious assault on the title.

This weekend the Cardiff Blues will arrive in Cork and with the Welsh region enjoying mixed fortunes from their opening three games, all signs point to another Munster victory.

New coach Tony McGahan has instilled an exciting breed of confidence into his squad. Even from their first two games in the league this season, the red province looked to have added a few extra levels to what was already an expansive game plan.

Six of last week's tries against the Dragons were scored from moves that originated deep inside the Munster half. Stand-in out-half Paul Warwick has revelled in this newly developed system with his free-flowing style of running perfectly complimenting the type of rugby on display. Likewise players such as Keith Earls, Doug Howlett and Ian Dowling have found enough space and time to terrorise the opposition defences.

This weekend's opponents however will provide a much sterner test to McGahan's charges. With one victory, one draw and one defeat already to their name the Cardiff Blues will be disappointed with their overall performance levels even at this early stage of proceedings.

Despite enjoying the lion's share of possession against Leinster on the first weekend of the season, David Young's side were unable to convert their superiority into points. A 32-10 defeat at the hands of the table-topping Ospreys quickly followed and alarm bells were beginning to ring in the Welsh capital.

However, the Blues contain enough quality and experience to withstand any momentary dip in form and last weekend's hard-fought victory over Ulster appears to have them back on track.

The Welsh region's strength lies in its powerful back-row. Their player of the season so far, Maama Molitika, delivered a man-of-the-match performance during last Saturday's win. His aggression in defence, and on the floor, offers a fine balance when coupled with the ever-young Martyn Williams and the powerful Andy Power.