Munster Set Sights On Edinburgh

Munster enter the penultimate round of the RaboDirect PRO12 knowing that every league point is crucial as they bid for knock-out qualification.

With Leinster and Glasgow ahead of Munster on the table by 6 points and 1 point respectively, and Ulster 3 points behind, the province need a result this weekend.

It is a lot to ask following last week’s physical encounter away to Toulon in the Heineken Cup, and with Edinburgh recording a opening round victory earlier in the season in the same competition the Scotsman will be looking to maintain their home record this season, albeit at a different venue in Meggetland this weekend.

Edinburgh come into this game on the back of a 37-34 derby defeat to second placed Glasgow, after running in four tries, picking up two bonus points.

Speaking after training today Head Coach Rob Penney had no fresh injury concerns following a full team medical review in the aftermath of Sunday’s bruising encounter in Marseille. Penney spoke of the challenge that Edinburgh will pose on Saturday;

“They’re a good side and with a couple of guys back from injury they’ll be even more potent.

“They’ve always been tough in physicality and if it turns into a physical battle they’ve got a lot of strength, power and experience. What they do, they do very efficiently and if we don’t start preparing mentally from here, right now, they can sting us easily.”

While Donncha O’Callaghan also made reference to the mental strength needed towards the end of the league;

“It’s all about the mental challenge, we’re not going to get any fitter or stronger, or understand our plays any better at this part of the season. It’s that mental switch-over to drive on and get a victory to keep you in the business end of competitions.”

James Cronin made a return to action for Munster last weekend following an ankle injury and is wary of what Edinburgh can produce;

“We learned at the start of the season to give Edinburgh the respect they deserve, with them beating us at the start of the Heineken Cup. We need to hit the field all guns blazing, we have to, we have no choice.

“It’s not easy, they’re a robust physical pack with a world class number 9 in Laidlaw.”

Munster v Edinburgh, Sat May 3^rd, Meggetland, KO 17:00.