MUNSTER return to Rabodirect action this Saturday 9 night in Cork as they take on Edinburgh at Musgrave Park. (Kick off at 7.45pm, live on TG4) Munster have won four of their last five games in all competitions, but their home record varies wildly with the venue.
Rob Penney’s side have won their last nine fixtures at Thomond Park but have lost their last two at Musgrave Park.
However, the Munstermen have won their last six encounters against Scottish opponents.
Edinburgh Rugby, on the other hand, have slipped to seven straight defeats in all competitions since beating Connacht 24-23 at the Sportsground in round ten of the RaboDirect PRO12, That victory represented Edinburgh’s only one over an Irish province in their last 14 such encounters.
Munster have already beaten Edinburgh three times in all competitions this season, twice in the Heineken Cup and once on the opening day of the 2012/13 season.
The Scotsmen have not triumphed on Munster soil since October 2006 in Limerick, whilst they have not won in Cork since April 2004.
Ahead of the clash, which will see Munster without their Irish internationals, there is some concern in the camp over the number nine position.
Cathal Sheridan picked up a shoulder injury playing for UL Bohemians at the weekend and with Conor Murray tied up with Ireland and Peter Stringer away with Bath, it’s fingers crossed that Sheridan will be fit for selection to accompany Duncan Williams in the match day 22. Should either not be fit, Munster academy and Young Munster RFC starlet Brian Haugh will be called upon.
Shannon RFC’s Luke O’Dea is another doubt ahead of the Cork tie. The flying winger tweaked a hamstring at the weekend while UL Bohemian’s Sean Henry picked up a hand injury in the same game. A decision will be made on the trio until later in the week.
Munster, currently sixth in the table, know that a home win in Cork is a necessity to regain some ground on the top four play off spots. With a trip to the Scarlets scheduled for February 16 and a trip to Treviso on the 24th, Munster know that points gained during the international window will prove crucial in terms of seasonal goals and momentum once the Six Nations stars return.
In Ireland news, Keith Earls hurt his shoulder late in the Wales game and underwent a scan upon the squads return to Dublin.
The Munster centre saw a specialist this week and at the time of going to press was a major doubt for the visit of England to the Aviva on Sunday.
Kick off in that do or die fixture is at 3pm on Sunday. (Live on BBC1 and RTE2)
