THE current Celtic League title holders, Munster, travel to Scotland to face Glasgow Warriors this Friday night, (the game is not being televised) with the prospect that another victory could see them set a new tournament record for successive wins.
A Munster victory will see them set a new tournament record with a 12th successive victory, surpassing Leinster’s previous mark set in 2001-2002. Munster have not lost in the Rabodirect Pro12, as it is called now, since February. The victors on that occasion were Benetton Treviso.
Speaking to Postsport ahead of the game, Munster manager Shaun Payne, admitted he was not aware of the record.
“We don’t really look at games like that to be honest. We take season’s in sections and we would not look at runs going from one season to another.”
Indeed, this opening section of six games sees Munster fielding a side minus it’s Ireland World Cup contingent. The Munster squad’s strength and depth is being tested at this point, but manager Payne is quiet happy with their start.
“The younger players are needed now more than ever. We have been together as a squad since June and the lads are gaining in confidence with every appearance”
Glasgow is a tough place to go for travelling teams. However, Munster have been victorious on their travels there in the past. Indeed, Glasgow’s only victory in their last six encounters with Munster was 22-9 at Firhill on 4 September 2009.
Munster Squad to face Glasgow: J Murphy, D Howlett, D Hurley, S Zebo, T Gleeson, L Mafi, D Barnes, S Deasy, I Keatley, D Williams, P Stringer, M Horan, W du Preez, D Varley, M Sherry, D Fogarty, S Archer, J Hayes, BJ Botha, D Foley, M O’Driscoll, B Holland, P O’Mahony, T O’Donnell, N Ronan, J Coughlan.
(Not considered because of injury: Darragh Hurley (achillies), Troy Smith (knee), David Wallace (knee), Felix Jones (foot), Pete Borlase (hip), Ian Nagle (shoulder), T O’Leary (back).
