MAGNERS League table topping Munster face the Scarlets of LLanelli this Saturday night in Round 20 of the league.The Munster men have been top of the table since week two and now sit atop the table by a huge 12 points.
With a home semi final already secured, Munster take on sixth placed Scarlets, looking to build on last weekend’s massive win over Brive in the Amlin Challenge Cup. With a home semi final secured in the Magners and Amlin Challenge Cup, (Saturday April 30th at 1pm versus Harlequins) Munster are flying high at present. With the news last week that Ian Dowling had to retire and that Sam Tuitupou is leaving, Munster will be looking to bring in at least one centre for next season. Of course the rumour mill is in full swing, with names such as Smith, Nonu, De Villiers and Downey all being touted as possible additions. As with all World Cup years, Munster will be linked with everyone who performs well and/or is out of contract. There is no doubt among fans however, that a 12 will be first on the shopping list.
Ahead of this weekend’s game, here are some stats to wet the appetite, Scarlets’ last four games have all been won by the home side on the day. The Welshmens’ only home Magners League defeat in their last six matches at Parc y Scarlets was 16-18 to Ulster on 18 February. Scarlets are winless in their last six encounters with Irish opponents. Munster have won their last six games in all competitions, including three in a row away from home. The Munstermens’ only loss to a Welsh team in the Magners League last season was 6-20 at Newport Gwent Dragons on 26 November. Munster have won their last ten clashes with the Scarlets in all competitions since a 24-15 defeat in the quarter finals of the European Cup on 30 March 2007.
The game kicks off live on TG4 and S4C at 18.15 at Parc Y Scarlets.
