News article – Style E 1059

Munster report injury concerns over internationals, scrum half Peter Stringer and prop John Hayes ahead of their all-Ireland Celtic League semi-final clash with Ulster at Lansdowne Road on Saturday (3.00). Stringer missed the quarter final win over Llanelli while Hayes hurt a shoulder in that bruising encounter.

” We are not sure if Peter’s ankle will have healed in time, we will see how he progresses this week and then accept the medical advice,” said team manager Jerry Holland, “It is much the same with John’s shoulder problem but at this stage it looks as if David Wallace’s shoulder injury will force him to miss the semi-final.”

Holland refused to accept the mantle of favourites, ” Of course we know each other pretty well and we fully expect a tough and physical encounter. When the Irish provinces meet each other it is always 50-50. But in a knock-out situation at a neutral venue there are no favourites. There is no advantage to either side playing at Lansdowne Road. It will be down to the team who performs on the day. it’ as simple as that.”

Ulster coach Alan Solomons agreed with Holland on the point of familiarity, ”
The sides do know each other pretty well and we accept that Munster are a very good team. They have had two great years in the Heineken Cup and make up the bulk of the Irish team. They are a very powerful outfit and, although we will again be without the injured James Topping, we are very much looking forward to the challenge.