David Kelly previews what is set to be a tumultuous Heineken Cup showdown between the Ospreys and Munster in The Irish Independent.
"From the moment that Brett Sinkinson stamped on Ronan O'Gara's ankle en route to Munster's Celtic League final romp in 2003, bad blood has coursed through the recent history of clashes between the two-time European champions and the perennial pretenders from Wales.
"In fact, it goes back even further. During the 2003 World Cup, Munster travelled to Neath with a callow side minus 13 internationals and Jeremy Staunton was singled out towards the end of a narrow 33-26 defeat.
"Bearing the visible scars of a terrific shoeing, a dejected Staunton prompted Declan Kidney to issue a stirring broadside to his deflated troops. "Look at the state of that man's face," Kidney said to a stunned dressing-room. "I don't mind if you get beaten on the scoreline, but don't ever let yourselves be beaten up again."
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