Latest Video: BJ Botha Interview

Munster face a crucial Heineken Cup clash against Perpignan on Sunday at Thomond Park and prop BJ Botha is looking forward to the challenge of facing one of the biggest packs in Europe.

View the video here.

Munster currently lie second in Pool 6 of the Heineken Cup, a point behind Perpignan after a win and a loss in the campaign so far, and victory on Sunday is vital to their chances of progression.

25-cap South African Botha will start from the bench but is likely to see some action and he revealed that the side’s focus is completely on the upcoming double-header against Perpignan.

“We haven’t looked any further than these two back-to-back games which are something special,” said Botha.

“You have to set the tone in the first game and it’s a big advantage if you get past that first hurdle.

“We still have everything to play for and, at this stage, we’re still in control. It’s something that does hurt [the loss in Round One to Edinburgh] but we can’t control that now, what we can control is the game at the weekend.

“From a motivational perspective it’s all about the challenge that lies ahead on the weekend not what’s happened in the past,” he added.

The power of the Perpignan scrum is one of the French side’s many strengths and Botha is looking forward to locking horns with the opposition at scrum time.

“We’re aware of the French scrums and, particularly at Perpignan, the tradition they bring at scrum time and how much they put into it so it’s a big challenge for us.

“These are the games we look forward to as front row players, you start licking your lips in the days leading up to it so it’s a big challenge for us and something we look forward to.

“That [first scrum]will set the tone and to get good go-forward ball there will set that mental note and lay down a marker. But we need to back it up from scrum to scrum because we’re aware that they’re a team that plays for 80 minutes.”

Sunday’s visitors have lost their last three in the French Top 14 but Botha dismissed the idea that league form will have any bearing on the result.

“We’ve seen Munster in the past not achieving what they wanted to in the PRO12 and then come out and win in the Heineken Cup. The mental approach [in the Heineken Cup] is a little bit sharper, we’re aware of what they’ll bring on the day and they’ll be up for it.

“We’re trying to build a unit that is dynamic and effective each week and we’re growing as a side, obviously opposition analysis is important but it’s more important to look at ourselves.

“We need to concentrate on ourselves and what we can bring to the game and do it for the supporters who will be arriving in their masses on the day.”

Category A and B tickets are now sold-out for the game with only terrace tickets remaining.

There are still North Terrace Family Packs available for just €;40 for one adult and one junior (under 16).

Terrace Tickets can be purchased here and on match day.