Heineken Cup Round 5 Preview

The Ospreys are our brightest hopes of progression will be confident of ending Munsters' fine unbeaten Heineken cup record in Limerick, after winning both festive derbies against Llanelli Scarlets and Cardiff Blues, however realisticaly they face a tumultous task to stop the Red Army from powering into the knockout stage.

They will try and front up in a similar manner to when they lost 20-18 to the Irish province in October, a well taken Peter Stringer try proving the difference. Stringer will have to do without his half back Ronan O'Gara, who is out through a broken finger. Paul Burke is a more than adequate replacement.

Brent Cockbain and Jonathan Thomas, will have an enthralling battle with O'Connell and Donnacha O'Callaghan. Whilst Henson will have to show a lot more control than in recent weeks.

The Dragons need to rely on Perpignan, not to be upset by pace setters Newcastle for them to set up a winner takes all clash at Kingston Park next Saturday. That is of course they beat Edinburgh at Rodney Parade, where Jason Forster is expected to get at least twenty minutes under his belt as part of his return from appendicitis.

Chris Anderson is a coach under pressure with five defeats in the Gwent sides last seven matches, with serious doubt over whether he can cut it as a coach in union. The forwards have lost their way, only really looking a shadow of last season.

Llanelli Scarlets may still very much be a shadow of their former selves, but after their New Years day defeat of the Dragons can at least hope to out scrap Northampton Saints at Stradey Park on Sunday.

Saints are also in an unconvincing vein of form, but have now at least started to halt their domestic losing streak sneaking past London Irish and Leeds Tykes over the festive period. Under Budge Poutney and Paul Grayson they appear are far happier club. Yet they appear in something of a mess, with short term signings brought into paper over the cracks.

Matthew Watkins has been a major part of the Scarlets' resurgence, if he is ruled out with a rib injury it will be a major blow.

Dai Young knows that another solid performance and narrow defeat will realisticaly be the Blues can hope to acheive against Stade Francais, but it will be an eight straight defeat a record that is doing nothing to disperse the doom at The Arms Park.