Londen Irish V. Munster

Date: Saturday 8th October
Kick off: 17:45
Venue: Madejski Stadium

London Irish:
Top of the Aviva Premiership, Irish have started well, but now they will have to find another level. Their win over Newcastle was impressive but against Leeds they were sloppy in defense. Irish know that they can beat the best teams after winning against Leinster in Dublin last year, and they will need all of that belief if they are to be successful this weekend. Moreover, if they don’t win this first game against Munster, then their chances of progressing will be all but shattered.

Munster:
The Red Machine rolls into Reading having lost to Leinster last weekend in Dublin. In all honesty, whilst a blow, this should not affect Munster too much going into this weekend. The Heineken Cup is their competition; it is impossible to think of the tournament without Munster’s name coming to mind. They will see the game against Irish certainly as a tough one, but also one they can win.

What to expect:
Every example of why the Heineken Cup is the best club competition in the world. It is a mouth-watering tie between two of the best sides from their respective countries: London Irish with all their attacking flair, and Munster with their hard-edged, confrontational style. Irish will hope for a packed out stadium and a buzzing home support, and for dry weather. If it's wet then Munster should have the edge.

I think the match will be one be or lost by few points, however I think the winners will be Munster, with all there experience in the competition. I will be keeping a close eye on Ronan O'Gara playing for Munster, his opposite number Ryan Lamb is a very skilled player and I think how these two perform could make all the difference.