And the former Leinster assistant coach Gaffney is hoping the result is similar to his last trip to Stradey. "I went there last year with Leinster - great ground, great team," he said. "And as we won 19-17 in the final minutes, I wouldn't mind the same result this week."

However, Munster face an awesome task at a venue every bit as formidable as their own Thomond Parksince Gaffney. Added to that is Munster's ever mounting injury list. Since he took charge of the squad two months ago he has had more than a fair share of injury problems. Flanker David Wallace, lock Paul O'Connell and wing Anthony Horgan were all ruled out with long term injuries, then Martin Cahill fell by the wayside and now John O'Neill joins the injured list.

And they go into a game against a Lllanelli side with two games under their belts and having had the benefit of a pre-season training camp in Slovenia.

Gaffney on the other hand saw 12 of his original selection for the first time in five weeks last Monday. "It doesn't makes things easy." he said with a wry grin. " But we've just got to get on with it."

MunsterD Crotty; J Kelly, M Mullins, R Henderson, M Lawlor; R O'Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, F Sheahan, J Hayes; D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll; J Williams, A Quinlan, A Foley.

Replacements- J Blaney, S Kerr, E Halvey, M Galwey, D Malone, J Holland, J Staunton.