Saints could reap benefit of Hayes' 'stamp' on Healy

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Northampton may receive some unexpected assistance from an Irish disciplinary panel today in their mission to beat the European heavyweights Munster in Saturday's Heineken Cup opener. John Hayes, Munster's influential prop, is in the dock for stamping on Leinster's Cian Healy on the weekend, an offence that earned the player nicknamed "The Bull" a red card.

If Hayes is found guilty he could not only miss the first two Heineken group games, but also Ireland's November international. That would be a huge blow for the Ireland coach Declan Kidney, although it does seem doubtful the 94-times capped tight-head, who has an exemplary disciplinary record, will receive any longer than five weeks. If that is the case then Hayes will be available for Ireland's first Test of the campaign against Australia.

The Lion's hopes of appearing at Franklin's Garden do, however, look forlorn. Hayes' best chance is to convince the panel that there was no malicious intent and this was the message coming from Munster yesterday. "I feel that he was just trying to find the ground with his foot," said the coach Tony McGahan. "We certainly feel confident that John will be held in high regard as he is and his record will speak for itself."

The Munster captain, Paul O'Connell, said he believed the stamping had been accidental. "I reckon Hayes probably meant to ruck the player," he said. "It would be disappointing to lose him, he's been great for us for a very long number of years. I don't know how it's going to go, but hopefully he won't be gone for that long."

Tony Buckley, another international, is on standby to replace Hayes, although McGahan will understandably be desperate to have all his big-match players available after witnessing his side's humiliation in Dublin. Leinster were outstanding in the 30-0 victory and London Irish plainly have it all to do when they visit the defending champions on Friday. The Exiles' task was made all the more difficult yesterday when their England scrum-half, Peter Richards, was banned for one game for elbowing for elbowing Sale's Neil Briggs on the weekend.

There was also some ominous news for Harlequins as they prepared for their trip to Cardiff. Jamie Roberts, so impressive for the Lions in the summer, has been declared fit to play for the Blues after recovering from a neck injury he sustained against the Scarlets two weeks ago. The centre, who is training to become a doctor, feared it could mean a long-term absence but after two scans on his spine his surgeon gave him the all clear.