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McAlister hunting Munster scalp

Monday 13th October 2008

Supporting Sale: McAlister keen to double up

All Blacks centre Luke McAlister has sounded a warning to European champions Munster to expect a hostile welcome at Edgeley Park on Sunday for their mouthwatering Pool clash.

Fresh from guiding Sale to one of their greatest victories in the club's history at Stade Marcel Michelin, the Sharks take on the Irish giants at home for what is arguably the game of the competition's Round Two.

Munster were a shadow of their Cardiff selves at the regenerated Thomond Park on Friday as they edged past French minnows Montauban in what was a nervy encounter.

However, in an interview with the Daily Mail newspaper, McAlister admitted that he fully expects a much improved performance from Tony McGahan's men in the north-west.

"Yeah, but it's not easy coming to Stockport. It's not a nice place for teams to play. We'll give them a warm welcome," the powerful runner said ahead of facing Lifeimi Mafi and Rua Tipoki.

"One of the reasons I came over here was to play in the big stuff and today was my first taste of it. I was up for it. To get the points was huge, but we've got to stay grounded."

Meanwhile, club owner Brian Kennedy was left delighted with what he sees as the coming of age of his long-standing Sale dream.

"That is our best result in Europe. A result like this puts the club on the map. We're known for having an exciting team with great potential, it's just nice to see it being fulfilled," he said.