Heineken Cup: Round Two preview

By Brendan Cole

Last week could hardly have gone better with two wins and a draw from the main contenders for quarter-final spots, and a highly creditable performance by competition newcomers Connacht.

<notforsyndication>Full-match coverage of Castres v Munster (3.40pm) and Connacht v Toulouse (6pm) plus live updates on Leicester v Ulster (6pm) on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie/sport (available worldwide).</notforsyndication>

Ronan O’Gara’s remarkable drop goal - from 40 metres after 40 phases to beat Northampton - is already passing into rugby folklore. It stands alone as a superb sporting feat: phenomenal team effort converted into a victory by the remarkable nerve of a single individual. The drop goal captured everything that is special about O’Gara, and the game itself.

It also saved Munster’s season. This team lives for the Heineken Cup and their 2011/12 bid would have been over before it had begun had the effort not sailed over from beyond the 10 metre line.

The final minute will leave much more of an impression than the preceding 79, and Munster travel to Castres full of confidence. They do not need to win but know a victory would be another huge step towards a quarter-final place.

Aside from the fact that the pressure is off, Munster people in general will also be heartened by the green shoots beginning to sprout in key areas.

That is particularly true of the back row. Peter O’Mahony proved himself a worthy wearer of the number six jersey with a massive performance. The long-since proven Denis Leamy made yards almost every one of the 10 times he carried the ball.

It is a surprise to see the same starting XV as last week as a lack of fluency to the backline play was a problem for much of the match. Johne Murphy lacks the burst of pace and footwork needed to make an attacking impact in the wide channels from full-back, and the centres also struggled to penetrate.

O'Leary and Chambers: duo could play key roles

Tomas O’Leary and Will Chambers seemed to improve the team when they came on and could yet play important parts. But a conservative start, making full use of Conor Murray’s kicking and tackling, may work against Castres, who look difficult but not insurmountable opposition even on French soil.

The French side have been involved in plenty of close matches this year, and lost to Llanelli Scarlets last week in a pool where getting an away win against that team looked vital. Currently third in the Top 14 – behind Toulouse and Clermont – their main focus may be elsewhere. It won't be easy, but Munster may want it more and that could prove decisive.

Leinster’s away draw in Montpellier was a break even result but means hopes of a high seeding have receded somewhat. Some poor tackling in the pack – Sean O’Brien and Damien Browne among those who made errors – hinted they were not quite at the races.

Leinster had the confidence of champions, and were able to step up their level when it counted. Picking the best team is still a challenge – this week’s effort is an attacking one that may be capable of exposing Glasgow early in the match.
The lineout is strong with Leo Cullen, Devin Toner, Jamie Heaslip and Kevin McLaughlin all starting, and Eoin Reddan’s selection should add urgency and give key carriers more chances to break tackles. Heaslip and O’Brien must take the chances presented.

O'Malley can help Leinster make plays

Out wide, Eoin O’Malley gets his chance to stake a claim and his footwork and burst of acceleration could give Leinster more chances to make more dangerous plays in the wider channels. Isa Nacewa remains on the wing, where the impact of his vision and creativity are reduced.

But the pack – and the scrum and lineout in particular – should provide a solid platform for a team packed with running ability.

Ulster also got off to a tremendous start last week to secure a home win against Clermont, and they get a crack at Leicester Tigers. Leicester almost invariably make the business end of the competition but they are often vulnerable and their poor domestic form makes this a match of interest.

Any pack with Stephen Ferris in it has a chance of making it a hard day for the opposition eight, though the unit is weakened by John Afoa’s scheduled return to New Zealand.

As usual, the major issue for Ulster is the backline. Ian Humphreys is capable of great things but continues to make a slew of errors in every game. Nevin Spence comes in for the injured Paddy Wallace, and should bring some directness and penetration but Humphreys must cut out the risk taking and go back to basics if Ulster are to have a chance.

Watch out for Ferris v Waldrom clashes

Leicester are particularly strong in the front row and on the wings, where they have Horacia Agulla and Alesana Tuilagi. The back row is also worth noting. Tom Croft is far from the complete blindside - but he covers ground and few are better at popping up in the wide areas to take a scoring pass. Thomas ‘the tank engine’ Waldrom’s clashes with Ferris alongside the ruck will make for excellent entertainment.

The Tigers are not in their best form – that will come after Christmas – but this competition is important to them and Ulster still look a level or two short of what is needed to go and win at Welford Road.

Connacht have also shown they will bring plenty to this competition and playing Toulouse will surely get the juices flowing out west.

Despite the respectful talk from the French club’s camp about Connacht, they will not enjoy travelling to the fringe of Europe for a contest with fired up opposition in which they are expected to win.

That said, they are masters at doing just enough and have that ability to lift the tempo and ‘decide’ to play at the key moments.

With a strong team named, the bonus point is well within their compass.

Heineken Cup: Round Two Predictions

Castres 16-19 Munster (3.40pm, Saturday)

Connacht 12-29 Toulouse (6pm, Saturday)

Leicester 15-10 Ulster (6pm, Saturday)

Leinster 25-8 Glasgow (12.35 Sunday)