WITH a lot at stake – including the possibility of next round qualification – it all makes up for a special occasion when Munster entertain Castres in the Champions Cup at a packed Thomond Park this Saturday (5.30pm).
The Cup has really caught the attention of sports fans, particularly with significant television exposure, and there is plenty up in the air in the six-team Pool 2 ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
There is no doubt that last Sunday’s defeat in Toulon was unfortunate, and many have questioned the winning penalty decision with the last play of the game.
From the start it was obvious that travelling coach Clayton McMillan had laid out a plan coming into the tie that could combat the home challenge, and when JJ Hanrahan kicked Tom Farrell’s conversion, Munster had that one point lead.
There is no question but that this was one of Munster’s best performances this season and if they can repeat that display in a few days’ time there is every chance of chalking up a winning bonus point.
Castre are 10th in the French League and four rungs from the bottom of the table, and it will be interesting to see if they can overcome the challenge and the noise of the home support in Limerick.
This season it is noticeable during the current campaign that Tadhg Beirne has been shown a card early in matches, as was the case again in France.
It is something that could be looked into by the Munster forwards coaches because it can prove costly.
Interviewed at the weekend, Beirne said: “Look, you’re in a tackle and he’s saying ‘release him’ but like, you can’t just get out of the way of them. But there’s no point in arguing because once the decision is made, the decision is made.”
Craig Casey (shoulder) is an obvious injury blow to Munster, and possibly Ireland.
On a little plus, a couple of homegrown players in Ben O’Connor and Brian Gleeson have impressed.