Earls returns as Munster shake up the backs
MUNSTER, chasing their fifth appearanc in a European Cup final, have boldly moved their quarter-final hero Andrew Conway to full-back for their semifinal against Munster this afternon, a switch that sees Simon Zebo relegated to bench duties.
The demotion of Zebo wasn’t entirely unexpected – his season has been peppered with injury the most recent being an ankle problem – but he has been such a talismanic player for Munster in modern times that it still comes as something off a surprise.
His exuberance on the wing or at full-back has always offered Munster that little bit of X factor that can prove so useful in Europe.
Zebo might still have a role to play but his absence from the starting XV speaks volumes for Munster’s strenght in depth at present, not least with the return of Keith Earls slighly ahead of schedule after picking up a knee injury playing for ireland against England last month.
Earls has been on fire all season, he was one of the players of the Six Nations and his return probably made head coach Johann van Graan’s decision over Zebo a little easier.
Elsewhere there a no surprises in Munster’s selection as they prepare for a huge test against familiar opponents from the Pool stages and indeed last season when they were also drawn against each other.
Racing also look at full strength and have predictably resisted the temptation to start Dan Carter who has been struggling for much of the season with ankle and calf problems.
Carter did make an effective cameo appearance off the bench against Clermont in the quarter-final and that will be his role again alongside fellow former All Black Joe Rokocoko.
Bordeaux and ‘red’ are of course synonymous but not just for the wine. Eighteen years ago now the Munster supporters painted the city red before and after their famous win over Toulouse and the Red Army will be on parade this afternoon in force.
As was the case back in 2000, Munster start as slight underdogs, a situation they relish, but they were also an unknown force then and to a certain extent caught Toulouse cold.
Racing should know exactly what is coming and will be more prepared. This is going to be close – only three points separated the two teams over two matches in their pool – with extra time a distinct possibility. Strap yourself in for a classic.