Friday, January 11, 2008

Clermont take home matches seriously

Clermont Auvergne in naming their strongest possible side, for Sundays crucial Heineken Cup match, include just two players, Julien Malzieu and Seremaia Bai, who started when the sides met in Thomond Park in November. On this occasion however Malzieu is named on the wing rather than the full-back position he occupied in November while Bai - outhalf in Thomond Park - will partner Marius Joubert in the centre on Sunday.

Doug Howlett has been named on the Munster starting XV for Sunday's clash with Clermont Auvergne, while Alan Quinlan has been named among the replacements. However, Paul O'Connell has failed in his attempt to be fit to take a part, the squad captain still troubled by the back problem that forced him to miss the afternoon session in Limerick on Wednesday. "Paul suffered a setback during the week and is not able to train today, " explained Declan Kidney, " so in the circumstances couldn't be included in the squad." Anthony Horgan, who was selected to play against Ulster last weekend picked up a hamstring strain during the week and his absence opens the door for Doug Howlett to take his place on the wing.

Munster: Shaun Payne; Brian Carney, Rua Tipoki, Lifeimi Mafi, Doug Howlett; Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer (capt); Marcus Horan, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes; Donncha O'Callaghan, Mick O'Driscoll; Denis Leamy, David Wallace, Anthony Foley. Replacements: Frank Sheahan,Tony Buckley, Donnacha Ryan, Alan Quinlan, Tomas O'Leary, Paul Warwick, Kieran Lewis,

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