Preview | Cardiff Blues v Munster

Munster return to Guinness PRO14 action on Saturday evening as the province visit the Cardiff Arms Park (5.30pm, live on Sky Sports).

With just seven rounds remaining in the Guinness PRO14, Munster lie in second place of Conference A and have secured bonus-point wins in their last two games against Zebre and Connacht.

Last time out, Munster were 33-5 winners over Zebre at Thomond Park. Sammy Arnold continued his impressive try-scoring form with two tries, Brian Scott scored his first Munster try on his first Munster start and Man of the Match Robin Copeland and Rory Scannell also touched down. JJ Hanrahan kicked one conversion with replacement Ian Keatley adding three more.

While it was by no means a vintage Munster performance, the victory saw the province close the gap on Conference A leaders Glasgow Warriors to 12 points with van Graan’s men moving seven points clear of third-placed Cheetahs.

No away team managed to claim a victory last weekend and a victory in Cardiff will be very difficult to come by as the Welsh side look to close the gap on the Cheetahs.

When Munster and Cardiff met at Thomond Park earlier this season, the Blues led 16-13 at the interval but Munster stormed back in the second half to win 39-16 with tries from Conor Murray, John Ryan, JJ Hanrahan (two) and Robin Copeland as Man of the Match Ian Keatley kicked 14 points.

Overall Guinness PRO14 head to head record

Played 29, Blues won 11, Munster won 18.

Did you know?

With 61 tries in 14 games, Munster are the top try-scorers in the PRO14.

The Blues have been defeated just once at home in the Championship since September: 11-14 by Scarlets on New Year’s Eve.

Next home game

Guinness PRO14: Munster v Glasgow Warriors, Irish Independent Park, Fri 23 Feb, 7.pm; Tickets available online, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park, or by calling 061 421103. Tickets from just €7 with Family packs (two adults and two children) available for just €40.