Kidney Looking For Home Comfort

…Declan Kidney…

Declan Kidney wants Munster to apply themselves as they go in search of their first Magners League win at home to Border Reivers tonight.

Shorn of their international stars, Munster got off to a losing start at Cardiff last week but Kidney is confident that his back-up players can get back the province on track at Thomond Park.

He said: “A few players made their league debuts (against Cardiff) and we have to recognise that players need time to adjust to the pressure. This week will be different – we’re at home, and we need to apply ourselves and demand that we win our home matches for starters.”

They are expected to beat the Borders, given the fact that they are undefeated against them in their six previous meetings. With the Scots having lost on each of their last seven visits to Ireland, Munster will approach tonight’s tie with a good deal of confidence.

Especially, according to Kidney, with experienced centre John Kelly operating as their captain.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Kidney said of Kelly’s stint as skipper: “I think he has been brilliant. He has taken to the job, embraced it, and he’s very popular with the rest of the players.”

Despite the defeat, Kelly was still pleased with the province’s efforts in the Welsh capital last week. He said: “A number of players made their debuts for us last week and the guys that came in all did outstandingly well. You cannot fault their application.”