Zebo: ‘We Need To Turn Negatives Into Positives’

Despite two consecutive under-par performances and defeats in as many weeks, Munster winger Simon Zebo is determined both he and his provincial team-mates will return to form against Leicester Tigers on Saturday, and lay down a statement of intent for the remainder of the season.

In previewing this weekend’s Champions Cup action, the Corkman said, “This game is going to be massive. To get a result this weekend would be a real kick-start and resurgence in our season. We’ve lost a handful of games this season, it’s not the end of the world but we’d still hold higher standards than losing the last two fixtures.

“But that’s done and we need to learn from it. I think it shows signs of a great team if you can come out of a slump and pick up results.

“We want to be a Championship winning side and in order to be that side we need to turn negatives into positives, like we hope to do this weekend.”

“Leicester are one of the leading sides in this season’s competition in terms of possession so getting our hands on the ball won’t be easy.

“When they have possession they are very comfortable with ball in hand and a lot of that is testament to Aaron Mauger and the way he is drilling the side. Their backline is operating as effectively as their pack which makes our challenge even harder. We know we’ll have to nullify these threats if we are to come out with a result.”

The Corkman may still have been in school when Munster last faced Tigers, but the memory of the Munster’s first European defeat at Thomond Park is one that remains with both him and this generation of Munster players.

“The last time they were over here it didn’t go too great for Munster. Even though it’s a different generation of players now, it’s still the same jersey and the same rivalry and this group want to avenge the defeat of last time out.

“Like Leicester we hold very high standards and to lose on our home patch is something we don’t take too easily, but in order to do that we need to get into them from minute one.

In concluding, Zebo made reference to the sense of occasion that goes hand-in-hand with the meeting of these European rivals and reaffirmed the importance of Thomond Park’s 16th Man on European match night.

“It’s going to be a massive occasion, the fans will be out in force and it’s exciting. With the noise they will make I’d definitely prefer to be the home dressing room, rather than the away one this weekend.”

Munster v Leicester Tigers, European Champions Cup, Saturday December 12th at Thomond Park – KO 7.45pm.

Tickets:

• Adults from €;20
• Families from €;60
• Student from €;10

Purchase tickets online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Office at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.

Tickets for these games can also be purchased as part of a Three Match Pack. Choose any three home games of your choice from the Champions Cup and/or Guinness PRO12. Match Packs start from just €;45 and also save you 10% across the cost of all three tickets. Click here to build yours.

Leicester Tigers Train Service

Outward journey
Those travelling from Kent Station, Cork can choose from a wide variety of departure times. The first two trains depart at 7am and 8am after which trains will depart at 20 past the hour, every hour.

Return journey
A specially commissioned train service will depart Limerick train station following the game at 10:30pm.

For more information and to book please click here.