Focus Firmly On Zebre
17th September 2014 By Munster Rugby
Following last Friday’s win away in Treviso, Munster again face Italian opposition this weekend, as they welcome Zebre to Thomond Park on Friday night.
After the first two rounds of the Guinness PRO12, Munster lie 6th on the table with 5 points – picking up a losing bonus point at home to Edinburgh Rugby and four points in last weekend’s away win in Treviso.
The Round 2 win saw Munster end a three game losing streak in the PRO12. Add to this that Munster have lost their last three league encounters in Thomond Park and Anthony Foley’s men will be chomping at the bit for a big performance on Friday night.
Zebre for their part will look to right the wrongs of their last three PRO12 outings, in which they failed to tally any points. Having never beaten Munster before, the Italians will use this as an incentive to bring their serious physicality to what’s sure to be a bruising encounter at Thomond Park.
Returning Irish international Dave Kilcoyne looks ahead to Friday night’s game in Limerick.
“I was supposed to be back last week but there was a slight hamstring twinge and for precautionary reasons I was held back a week, so I am raring to go now this week and I am really looking forward to being involved in full squad sessions and hopefully I can play a part on Friday night. We are trying to build now and bring the winning mentality into Friday’s game and onwards into Ospreys and Leinster in the coming weeks.”
Well aware of the set-piece physicality Zebre will bring to the game, Kilcoyne discusses the new scrum laws.
“The new law means it’s a longer scrum – it’s a mental battle. Sometimes you get the ball stuck in there and it’s a patience game. You are waiting for first team to make a mistake rather than attacking all the time. It can be a game of patience and the mentally stronger team can come out on top. It’s not all about brute force.
“We struggled against Treviso in Treviso for the last two years and the lads fronted up well. It would be great to see the fans turn out in numbers and we can give them a good physical display out there and hopefully we can get the win for them.”
Munster v Zebre, Guinness PRO12 Round 3, Thomond Park, Friday September 19th – KO 19:30.
Please note: this game is not televised.
