Preview | Munster v Ospreys

Munster host Conference A leaders Ospreys at Irish Independent Park on Friday night in Round three of the Guinness PRO14 (7.35pm).

Buy tickets online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices in Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 061 421103.

Munster have yet to field a number of Ireland internationals in the first two rounds of the competition after their summer exploits with the national side in Australia but Head Coach Johann van Graan is expecting to have more players available for Friday night’s clash.

See the latest Squad Update here.

The game will see Munster line out on the new modified 3G pitch at Irish Independent Park for the first time in a competitive fixture with an official opening taking place before kick-off. See more details here.

Pacesetters

Ospreys have had a perfect start to their Guinness PRO14 campaign, grinding out a 17-13 win against Edinburgh in the opening round, and scoring seven tries in their 46-14 bonus point win over Toyota Cheetahs last weekend.

It’s a fresh start for the Welsh side, who finished 5th in Conference A last season, and narrowly missed out on Champions Cup rugby for the 2018/19 season. However, they have returned to action with a palpable spring in their step, displaying impressive form thus far, buoyed by new faces and a renewed focus.

Former Ulster and Ireland hooker Allen Clarke has made a fine start to his first full season as Head Coach with the calibre of their new signings impressing early on.

Their marquee signing has undoubtedly been 76-cap Wales winger George North, who has returned to Wales after five seasons with the Northampton Saints. The British & Irish Lion has already made an impact, scoring a brace of tries against Edinburgh in their first PRO14 game and one against the Cheetahs last weekend.

Welsh international centre Scott Williams and scrum-half Aled Davies have also strengthened the squad along with Luke Morgan, who is the all-time record try scorer for Wales 7’s side.

British & Irish Lion Justin Tipuric has been appointed Ospreys captain and the new role evidently suits him – he scored a brace of tries against the Cheetahs last weekend and was awarded Man of the Match to boot.

Overall Guinness PRO14 head to head record

Played 34, Munster won 18, Ospreys won 15 with 1 game drawn.

Did you know?

• Munster’s last four Guinness PRO14 encounters have been won by the home side on the day, whilst they have only lost once at home in any competition since February 2017: to Leinster at Christmas 2017.
• Munster’s most recent defeat in Cork was by a single point to Cardiff Blues in September 2016.
• Ospreys have won both games in the Guinness PRO14 so far, at home to Edinburgh and Cheetahs.

Tickets

Friday, September 14

Munster v Ospreys, Irish Independent Park, 7.35pm;

Buy tickets online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices in Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 061 421103.

Adult Stand: €30; *Student/Junior Stand: €10

Adult Terrace: €20; *Student/Junior Terrace: €7

Family Pack – Two Adult & Two Junior (Terrace only): €40

*Junior tickets can only be purchased with an adult ticket. Student tickets can only be purchased in person at our ticket offices. You will need a valid student ID card at time of purchase and to enter the ground on matchday.

Video | Arno Botha