Munster to Book an All Ireland Finale

Tony McGahan and his Munster side will hope for some redemption on Saturday when the Osprays visit Thomand Park. It has been an inconsistent season for the Irish province who have suffered disappointments in both the Heineken and Challenge Cups. But Paul O’Connell and co will be determined to cap off the season with domestic glory.

After their surprise defeat to Harlequins two weeks ago in the Challenge Cup semi final, Munster returned to Thomand Park last week and defeated Connacht, 22-6.This win took their league tally to 22 games played with 19 wins. However, after leading the standings for all but one week of the Magners League season, Munster will know that defeat on Saturday will leave them with nothing but stats.

Their opponents, Osprays, come into this game after a narrow away win over Aironi in their last league outing. James Hook, who will be playing his rugby in France next season, saved the day with a last minute penalty to book a spot in the playoffs for the welsh outfit. Similar to Munster, Osprays have also suffered disappointment in Europe this year, but as the defending Magners League champions, they will take confidence in the fact that their compatriots, Harlequins, showed beating Munster in Limerick is not impossible.

It is the fourth meeting of the two sides this season with Munster leading the face off three games to one. Before they’re win over Aironi in Italy, Osprays failed to register a win in four games, one of which was a home loss to Munster. In contrast, Munster’s domestic form has been second to none this season and despite their loss to Quins two weeks back, have been in excellent recent form. I expect the Irish side to win this one and face rivals Leinster in the final but be warned, I said the same two weeks ago! Statistically, it is a Munster win so Munster 1-12 points at 11/8 (Stan James) looks good. Munster HT/FT also looks solid to me at 10/11 (Blue Sq). Finally, look out for Doug Howlett who has scored two tries in his last two games. He is certainly the best value bet today at 10/1 (Bet Fred) to get the first try and if you want to play it safe with anytime try scorer, he is 2/1 (Paddy Power). Consider Simon Zebo at 11/1 (William Hill) for last try scorer. He will be introduced in the second half, is a great young talent and has a good record this season for late tries off the bench.

My Tips

2pts Munster Win by 1-12 Points

2pts Munster HT/FT

1pt Doug Howlett 1^st Try

1pt Doug Howlett Anytime Try

1pt Simon Zebo Last Try

Rugby Stats 2011

Staked = 45.5pts

Returned = 48.9pts

Profit/Loss = + 3.4pts

• This article was published on www.fightingtips.co.uk.
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