In Pics: Cardiff Preparations

Munster trained in wonderful sunshine at UL yesterday as they prepare for their first competitive home game of the season this Friday when the welcome Cardiff Blues to Irish Independent Park, Cork in Round 2 of the Guinness PRO12 – ko 7.35pm.

Click here to view our training gallery.
 
Rassie Erasmus’ men will carry good momentum into this weekend’s game off the back of a deserved win over Scarlets, their first win in Llanelli since 2011, while as little as a fortnight ago, Irish Independent Park proved a happy hunting ground for Munster, defeating Worcester 52-21 in front of wonderful home support.
 
Reflecting on the win and looking ahead to Friday’s clash in Cork, the Director of Rugby commented,
 
“Off the back of a win in Scarlets, a place where we had not won in 5 years, it was nice to see the lads come back in and fully focused for this weekend against Cardiff.  The performance was pleasing, especially the guts that was shown, they really wanted that win.  It still was not the perfect performance and judging by the faces of the guys here on Monday morning, they realise that. 
 
“We defended really well but tactically we struggled to get out of our half.  That is something we can work on and change heading into this weekend.  It’s great to defend the way we did but it’s not something you can rely on.
 
“However scoring the first try when we did was vital after defending for so long.  It might have been early in the game but those are the moments that change games, it releases the pressure and we can build from there.”
 
“Cardiff are a team that play with great tactical awareness and play in the right areas of the field.  It’s difficult to sum up what they are going to bring, varying their game well with a physical bunch of forwards and a skilful range of backs. 
 
“It’s different from last weekend.  Scarlets will throw it around and run it from their own line, Cardiff may do that but at this stage we really need to be tactically smart because of how they mix it up. They will pose a big challenge but we are playing at home and must make that count.”  

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Adult tickets from €;20 and Family tickets from €;40 (2 adults & 2 juniors) can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.

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