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Last Updated: Monday, 27 December, 2004, 15:59 GMT
Ospreys tipped to end Munster run
The Ospreys celebrate a crushing win over the Scarlets
Jonathan Davies says the Ospreys' 28-7 win over the Scarlets convinced him that they can become the first side to win a Heineken Cup tie at Thomond Park.

The Ospreys need a victory at Munster's fortress on 8 January to have a hope of making the European quarter-finals.

"The Ospreys had the chances to win the home game, but now they must do it the hard way," Davies told BBC Sport.

"They have to beat Munster away and Castres at home, but the way they are playing I think they can do it."

HEINEKEN CUP MEETING
31 October:
Former Wales captain and fly-half Davies was speaking on BBC Wales' Scrum V rugby programme, where his opinions were supported by another ex-Wales captain, Mike Hall.

"They can definitely win in Munster," said Hall. "They have the confidence and [Wales wing] Shane Williams is in sizzling form.

"I haven't seen a Scarlets pack put to the sword like the Ospreys did it for a long time.

"Their game is based on off-loading up front, with the front five particularly outstanding, and they are giving the space for the likes of Williams behind."

LEAGUE GAMES THIS SEASON
Ospreys-Munster games have been fiery this season
3 September:
18 December:
Munster won October's bad-tempered Heineken Cup tie at the Gnoll by 18-20.

Ospreys wing Richard Mustoe was banned for 12 weeks for a stamp in that encounter.

The west Glamorgan side countered by citing Munster prop Marcus Horan for punching and for racial abuse in the game.

Munster were furious at the move, and were vindicated when a disciplinary panel cleared Horan of all charges.

The two Celtic League ties between the teams this season have each gone with home advantage.

Munster are not God's gift to rugby
Ospreys coach Lyn Jones
The Ospreys ran the Irish close at Musgrave Park earlier this month, losing 13-9 in another controversial game that saw Wales No 8 Ryan Jones dismissed for stamping.

Ospreys head coach Lyn Jones remained confident and controversial after that encounter.

"January doesn't hold any demons for us, Munster are not God's gift to rugby," he said.

"They are just human beings, they make mistakes like everybody else and they get things wrong, you just need to apply a bit of pressure."




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