In Pics: Munster Train In UL

See the action shots as the squad gathered for training in UL yesterday, and get the thoughts of Simon Zebo as Munster prepare to host Saracens in Thomond Park this Friday night.

Zebo knows the importance of another European win this weekend and the scale of the challenge to achieve such a feat.

“It will be a massive task this week against Sarries. They are on form and beat an impressive Clermont side so we will have to be on our game from the first minute to beat them. It’s a massive game for whoever tops the table going into the Christmas period. I think there will be a massive momentum swing in this group whoever takes it. We need to win this weekend and treat it like a cup final. Nothing less than a win is acceptable. We know we have a tough job on our hands but we are excited with the challenge. Sarries have proved that they are probably in the top 3 or 4 teams in Europe. They are in great form at the moment. It’s going to be a great game, a real physical battle and I’m sure the Thomond Park crowd will get behind us and it will be a great occasion.”

Being a winger, the Corkman made particular reference to Saracens' firepower out wide.

“Ashton and Strettle are very impressive – two great players. We’ll have our work cut out trying to nullify their attack and getting them the ball. But we’ve played them before and kept them quiet in Thomond Park so we will need to do the same thing.

“But they’ve got quality all over the park – Vunipola, Hodgson who can kick a ball anywhere, and these gamebreakers are from 1 to 15 so we’ll have to be on top of our game.

“I’ve had a few chats with Chris Ashton after matches and he seems like a nice guy. I’m sure he is a gentlemen. There’s an unfair perception of him and people don’t like him which is pretty harsh considering he is just playing rugby and enjoying what he does. I like to see people play rugby with a smile on their face because that’s why they started to play the game, and why should they change? Hopefully though we keep the smile from his face this weekend!”

Munster v Saracens, Champions Cup Pool 1, Friday October 24^th at Thomond Park – KO 7:45pm.

While Munster A are away to Nottingham in Round 3 of the B&I Cup, also on Friday – KO 8pm.

See the action shots from yesterday’s training session by clicking here.