MUNSTER secured their spot in the last eight of the Heineken Cup last weekend, with a 29-6 win over Racing Metro. An away trip to face Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop awaits, as Conor O’Shea’s side’s reward for top spot is the visit of Munster.
With the quarter finals scheduled for the weekend of April 5, 6 and 7, (date and kick off times to be announced today, Thursday January 24) Munster fans have been busily checking plane, train and boat timetables for what might be a sizeable travelling support.
With Harlequins having won their pool with six wins from six, they will only be too aware of the ‘jinx’ that exists for perfect teams. That being, that no side that has finished the pool 6-0, has gone on to win the tournament. Munster will be hoping they can be Harlequins’ bogey team this time around.
As is the norm for the ERC, the semi final draws have also been made. Should Munster manage to defeat Quins, they would face either Clermont or Montpelier, in France on the weekend of April 26, 27 and 28. However Munster fans, players and coaches alike will be looking no further than the Twickenham Stoop at this juncture.
With the Six Nations now almost upon us, Munster’s backroom team will have to face into the RaboDirect without its biggest names. Currently in sixth position, Munster know that the games played while the international are on can prove vital. With Munster’s current ‘A’ side once more in the last eight of the B and I Cup, Munster’s squad depth looks to be at an all time high.
With games against Edinburgh, Scarlets, Treviso, Ospreys and Connacht all to be played before the internationals are available again, Munster know that four wins from four might very well be needed to secure an all important semi final spot. Munster’s next game is against Edinburgh on February 9 in Musgrave Park. Kick off is at 19.45, live on TG4.
