IT WAS an emotional occasion for Peter O’Mahony at Thomond Park at the weekend, and the proud Corkconian will be certain of a repeat reception when he takes to the pitch for the crucial URC battle against Benetton at Virgin Media Park on Friday (7.35pm).
The Constitution man’s contribution to Irish rugby has been exceptional and he will be hoping to ensure Munster’s place in the last eight with another superb performance on Leeside.
He, along with Stephen Archer and Conor Murray, will leave the club in the summer.
On Friday, the home side started slowly against Ulster but once they got into their stride in the second half, the visitors had no reply.
It appears that the Reds can play their best rugby at this time of the season, and if they can overcome this next hurdle they will be capable of beating any side in this fascinating competition.
Thomond Park was on a high and the Cork venue on Friday, with a sold-out capacity of just 8,800, will also provide a difficult 80 minutes for the visiting team.
Munster will be full of confidence.
“We can now field the strongest squad for some time and this is growing week after week. Being in Europe’s top competition is massive for us and we will hope to get the job done in the next game and reach the play-offs,” stated coach Ian Costello.
Though Benetton will be no walkover.
The Italian outfit – level with Munster on 46 points in the table – beat Glasgow Warriors 33-7 at the weekend, running in tries from Paolo Odogwu, SiuaMaile, Rhyno Smith, Tommaso Menoncello, and Jacob Umaga.
It has been a trying season for the Munster coaching staff but they now have an opportunity to prove their worth.
There is no room for errors, winning bonus points have never been so important, but with a backline of Thaakir Abrahams, Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell and Diarmuid Kilgallen, Jack Crowley and Craig Casey, and a seasoned pack, the Reds will be confident of staying on the road.
