News: HC: Northampton Saints v Munster Rugby - Match Preview
By PelerinStJames
January 19 2012
It's the last round of Heineken Cup pool matches this weekend and Northampton Saints welcome Munster Rugby to their temporary home of Stadium MK seeking a result which would secure progress to the later stages of the Amlin Cup. COYSDC contributor, PelerinStJames, looks ahead to the game...
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs MUNSTER RUGBY
Saturday, 21st January 2012 - 6pm (Sky)
HC: POOL ONE - MATCH SIX
STADIUM MK, MILTON KEYNES
MATCH PREVIEW
Well, here we are, only a few days away from what must be the most talked about game in the history of Northampton Saints. We all know that Stadium:MK is not our beloved FG, but may I remind you that we have yet to be beaten there, and, the largest home crowd in our clubs history will be in Milton Keynes cheering the team on.
The magic of Franklins Gardens is founded not just on the bricks and mortar upon which we stand but also our collective energies full of magical memories, matches and moments. As supporters, it is our duty to bring all this to our home away from home, for it is our thoughts, our energy and our passion that will create the stage upon which our stars will shine.
Our opponents for this week end are our friends from Munster, that magical mystery land where a myriad of miracles manifest magnificently at the marvellous Thomond Park. I am not sure that there is a more impressive home European record than Munster’s, but it was one that our Saints came oh so close to denting last November. Somehow, the Munster men managed to rescue a victory with the last kick of the game, took the 4 points and have remained unbeaten since, top the pool and are through to the quarter finals.
Sadly, the game is not the pool deciding blockbuster we were all hoping for, yet there is much still to play for on both sides. For Munster, a home quarter final and a 100% record awaits with a victory; anything less does not guarantee their next game will be at Thomond Park. For Northampton, there is the chance to gain entry into the Amlin Cup, and by doing that, edge their way up the ERC Rankings, and move into the top six seedings for next seasons Heineken Cup draw. There is also the small matter of pride.
Whilst I truly believe that the Saints could and should have won the game in Ireland, the fact is we didn’t. Full credit and admiration must go the men in red for their patience and sang froid in those final few minutes, but it hurts, it still hurts….and I was only sat at home on the sofa. I am fully expecting the lads in BGG to be pumped to the max, and hell bent on exacting revenge for that narrowest of narrow defeats. Our boys will not be playing for the Amlin Cup, they will be playing purely and simply for the glory of a victory.
I am certainly very, very glad that I am not charged with picking the team for this game. I am not sure I can remember as much competition for places in the squad, let alone the team. My very best guestimate would be as follows:
15 Foden
14 Artemyev
13 Pisi
12 Downey
11 Elliott
10 Lamb
9 Dickson
1 Tiny
2 Dylan
3 PDJ
4 Manoa
5 Sorenson
6 Clarke
7 Dowson
8 Wilson
However, I would not be in the least bit surprised to see Myler at 10, or Mooj start in the front row. Word is that Ashton will not be playing, but in all honesty, has his form this year really been any better than Vas or young Jamie Elliott? Does he genuinely merit his place in the starting XV ahead on performance alone? I will leave it to you to decide for yourselves.
Munster on the other hand, well, they have 11 players out injured, and according to their fans forum, their team may well be something like this.
15 Hurley
14 Zebo
13 Earls
12 Mafi
11 Murphy
10 O’Gara
9 Murray
1 du Preez
2 Varley
3 Botha
4 O’Callaghan
5 O’Connell
6 Ryan
7 O’Mahoney
8 Coughlan
Regardless of who is playing in red, they are an exceedingly tough team, not used to losing and with the necessary steel to withstand all manner of pressure. They will be desperate to win and obtain a QF at Thomond, and will certainly provide a huge test for our boys in GBG.
Consequently I’m expecting a fiercesome battle up front with no quarter given by either side, and whilst the Irish half backs will seek to shape the game, I believe the Saints three quarters just hold the edge and this ultimately will prove decisive in what promises to be a belter of a game.
Matches against Munster have always proved to be memorable, and I don’t expect this one to be any different - there is simply too much class and too much pride on either side for anything less. The stage is set, the players primed, some will steal the show and take the plaudits. Whether it will be another dramatic drop to win at the death, or a length of the pitch effort to turn the game, I hope that magic will be in the Milton Keynes air on Saturday, and in times to come, we will all be able to say with deep pride and knowing “Remember Munster at Milton Keynes? Well, I was there”.
COYS.
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Many thanks!
There is a lot to be said for pride and playing in front of your home supporters, whether at FG, MK or anywhere else.
We need to show other teams in the HC that Saints are in a fortress when at home and simply do not countenance losing...
*I could agree with you - but then we'd both be wrong...*
Saint til I die