Zebo: ‘Every Game Like A Cup Final’

As the battle for Guinness PRO12 play-off qualification heats up, Simon Zebo discusses the need for a big performance this weekend, the current competition for places within the squad, and shares his thoughts on the signing of All Black centre Francis Saili.

Munster travel to Edinburgh for Round 19 of the PRO12 this weekend and for the first time since January, Head Coach Anthony Foley will have his full contingent of returning internationals available for selection.

Since January, a total of three wins, one draw and one defeat has seen Munster maintain their play-off position on the league table with just points deference (2 points) keeping them behind second placed Ulster.

Zebo recognises that strong individual and collective performances from those involved in recent PRO12 action will provide the Munster management with a number of selection headaches in the coming weeks.

“The competition for places is really heating up and the standard was set quite high by the boys who were playing week in week out for the duration of the 6 Nations so it’s not going to be easy for internationals to come back into the side – we know we have to train well and perform well if given opportunities because the strength in depth of the squad is really strong at the moment.”

Munster travel to Murrayfield on Saturday having previously lost to Edinburgh this season, doing so at Thomond Park in the opening game of the PRO12.

“We need to go after them from the off, we have to, they are a quality side with some great performances of late. They also have some deadly finishers and we haven’t forgotten the lesson they though us in September at Thomond Park.

“Everybody at training was raring to go, the tempo was really high with everybody looking to put their best foot forward, especially after no game last weekend. This Saturday is a really big game for us, in fact all the remaining games are. With the race for qualification so tight, every game is like a Cup Final for us.”

The Corkman looks forward to welcoming new singing Francis Saili to the Munster fold next season.

“He seems like a really quality player and I’m excited to play alongside him. He has a lot of skill as well as being a powerful and strong athlete. He will add a lot to Munster.

“His arrival will add to our strength in depth. Denis Hurley has been flying it this season at 12 and has looked deadly alongside Keith Earls with his offloading game. It will be interesting to see the new combinations available to us going forward.”

Edinburgh v Munster, Guinness PRO12 Round 19, Saturday April 11th at Murrayfield Stadium – KO 7:30pm.

This game will be televised on TG4.