Get Set For Shark Attack

Get the pre-match stats as Munster look to return to winning ways in their final Pool 1 game of the European Champions Cup against Sale Sharks at Thomond Park on Sunday.

No strangers when it comes to European action, Munster welcome Sale Sharks to Thomond Park for their third January pool encounter in Limerick, having previously visited in ’06 and ’09.

With each side out of the running for knock out qualification, a keenly contested battle is nonetheless expected as both teams look to return to winning ways in the Champions Cup.

Still chasing their first win in this season’s campaign, Sharks can count themselves unlucky not to pick up a couple of wins along the way – most notably Ian Keatley’s last minute drop goal denying them victory over Munster in round 1, while a last gasp defensive effort from Saracens on the Londoner’s try line also denied Sharks victory in round 3.

For Munster, last Saturday’s loss to Saracens saw them slip to three consecutive Pool defeats – a first in their European history. This, coupled with last weekend’s below par performance will serve as ample motivation for Anthony Foley’s charges as they bid to end this season’s European campaign on a winning note.

The Head Coach looked ahead to Sunday’s action at Thomond Park, “We need to address a few things and make sure that we turn up next Sunday and put in a performance that is worthy of it.”

While captain Peter O’Mahony added, “We've got to have a good performance next week and in the next few weeks. They're non-negotiable, those performances."

And Munster will need to return to their previous best if they are to achieve a result against a Premiership outfit that are as comfortable at winning the physical battle on the ground as they are at putting teams to the sword out wide.

A man well versed in the Thomond Park psyche, former Munster centre Sammy Tuitupou, has proven himself to be a formidable force in the Sale midfield, breaking the gain-line and allowing the likes of Chris Cusiter, Danny Cipriani and Tom Arscott to execute chances through the backs.

While up front, following his try against Munster in round 1, Magnus Lund has gone on to become Sale’s top try scorer in the competition, with Nathan Hines another who brings both power and experience to an already impressive pack.

Munster v Sale Sharks, European Champions Cup Round 6, Sunday January 25th at Thomond Park – KO 3:15pm.

With over 21000 tickets now sold for this game, tickets are still available to purchase online by clicking here with prices starting from €;20 and Terrace Family Packs from €;60. Tickets can also be purchased at the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park or by calling 0818 719 300.