Treviso Sees The Start Of The Business End

The trip to Italy and the game against Treviso in the Stadio Monigo heralds the start of the business end of the season for Munster.

Last week they were scheduled to be in Italy for the game against Aironi but that game went by the board because of snow although ironically Treviso escaped totally. Munster flew to Treviso on Thursday and trained this morning at their opponents training campus La Ghirada in brilliant sunshine. As things stand they lie 4th in the table on 38 points but that's likely to change after tonight's game between Cardiff Blues and Ulster (7.05).

Nevertheless, it's important for Munster that they hit the rights notes according to forwards coach Anthony Foley against a side they beat 29-11 in their last outing in early January.

"I think it's important that we hit the ground running after been inactive for over a month now. What I'd be looking for is performance although I'd expect there to be a bit of rustiness there, that's only to be expected. But the lads have gone well in training so hopefully they can deal with that."

Munster's form on the road hasn't been good and that's another aspect Foley's hoping to see improve."Two wins at the start of the league away from home isn't the sort of form we'd be happy with and away form is important if you're looking to be involved in the knock-outs," he says. "So we'd be hoping to correct that but in saying that it won't just happen for us. We have to make it happen.

Munster lost here last year (19-8) and their opponents have the benefit of that game last weekend so Foley is aware of the task his side faces. ""They're probably one of the most improved sides this season. We lost here last year so we've a fair idea of what we're going to be up against. Of course it's going to be difficult, first game for us in a while but as I said we have to put into practice what we've been doing in training and we have to deal with whatever rustiness that's there pretty quick because they won't be waiting around for us."