George Hook believes that Munster face an impossible task in Sunday’s Heineken Cup semi-final clash against Toulon.
Writing in the Irish Independent, the RTE pundit reckons that the French side have no weak links in their side and that Rob Penney’s side will be the David to Toulon’s Goliath.
“Bernard Laporte’s side, with 28 seasoned and skilled internationals, have more strength, more firepower, more of just about everything than their Irish opposition,” wrote Hook.
“Put simply, there is no chink in their armour, no loose link in their chain.
“Munster’s unenviable task is to face down a giant in a cauldron of hostility and hope that a perfectly timed stone will send the defending champions toppling. Like David and Goliath, victory for the underdog is a long shot.”
Hook was critical of Leinster’s approach to the quarter-final against Laporte’s side, and says that it provided Munster with an example of how not to play against Toulon.
“The tactical nuances of kick versus pass and run versus hold won’t have much bearing over the 80 minutes. Leinster gave a masterclass in how not to play against Toulon, but a study in failure is of very little use to a team hoping to go one better.
“Munster’s only chance of victory is in unity of force. Paul O’Connell knows this, and his job this week has been to manage his team’s fervour and build towards reaching an adrenaline climax at precisely the right moment. Munster, as a bold and undivided unit, can cause Toulon problems.
“There is no room for error. Toulon have a vulturous ability to exploit weakness and should Munster get isolated in defence or caught napping without possession, Toulon will make them pay.”
