Little change for Celtic semis
December 6, 2001

Glasgow, Leinster and Ulster have named unchanged sides for their Celtic League semi-finals.

First up are Glasgow and Leinster for their clash at Lansdowne Road tomorrow night. Leinster's Nathan Spooner and Eric Miller have recovered from injuries picked up in their 34-22 quarter-final victory over Newport last week.

Munster will have to take on Ulster on Saturday without David Wallace, John Hayes, and Rob Henderson. Hayes and Wallace have shoulder injuries, while Henderson has a knee problem. Peter Stringer returns at scrum-half after missing last week's quarter-final with an ankle injury.

Ulster are unchanged. Sheldon Coulter remains on the right wing, despite having to leave the field early during last weekend's game. Jeremy Davidson stays on the bench, with Mark Blair continuing to partner Gary Longwell in the second row.

Live television coverage has also been secured for the Lansdowne Road final through BBC Grandstand, and it could be an all-Irish affair if the form book holds true.

Heineken Cup quarter-finalists Leinster should topple their Scottish opponents, and Glasgow skipper Andy Nicol accepts that his players face a huge challenge.

"Leinster are probably the form team in Europe at the moment," he said. "They are unbeaten this season, and the challenge doesn't get much bigger than playing them in Dublin."

Leinster comfortably beat Glasgow in a Celtic League pool match earlier this term, and knocked out powerful Welsh side Newport at the last-eight stage.

Munster are sweating on the fitness of Irish international trio Peter Stringer (ankle), John Hayes (shoulder) and David Wallace (shoulder) for Saturday's appointment with Ulster.

"We fully expect a tough and physical encounter. There is no advantage to either side playing at a neutral venue like Lansdowne Road," said Munster team manager Jerry Holland.

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