Formidable Fortnight

As the race for play-off qualification heats up, the challenge will intensity even more as Anthony Foley’s men face first and fifth on the Guinness PRO12 table in the coming fortnight.

Saturday’s draw away to Scarlets sees Munster still await their first league victory at Parc y Scarlets since April 2011, although the province will nonetheless be thankful for a share of the spoils as every point counts heading into what is very much the business end of PRO12 proceedings. A mere seven points is all that separates first from fifth with Munster situated in third on 48 points.

For the coming week, all attentions are firmly focused on Glasgow Warriors who visit Irish Independent Park on Saturday night. Munster’s last outing at the newly redeveloped Cork venue treated home fans to an exciting brand of heads-up flowing rugby that produced three tries during the 33-16 win.

Munster will hope to continue their winning ways in Cork this weekend, not least to maintain their play-off position, but also as the game marks the official opening of their refurbished Cork home.

A good showing under lights on Leeside is what’s required if Munster are to achieve a result over the Scotsmen who themselves have been credited with one of the most attractive brands of running rugby recent seasons. Warriors have won three on the bounce against the province and while the top of the PRO12 table remains congested, Glasgow are the only side to put daylight between themselves and the rest after a tense victory over the Ospreys at Scotstoun last Saturday.

Speaking after the weekend’s action, Munster Head Coach Anthony Foley recalled his side’s recent form against their Round 16 opponents.

“Glasgow and ourselves went toe to toe up there as well (Scotstoun in December), and we ended up losing by three points in a game that possibly, you know, we left behind us.

“Glasgow came over to Thomond Park last year and turned us over, and they also knocked us out in the semi-final last year, so there is a small bit of history developing there between the two sides.

“We’ve had a fortnight of hard work, but we’ll look at Glasgow now, and make sure we’re focussed and ready.”

The following weekend Munster travel to the Liberty Stadium to face Ospreys, another team with the potential to threaten their play-off ambitions. Despite an inconsistent run of performances of late, the Welsh outfit remain fifth on the league table and within three points of Munster.

While Foley’s charges will look to avenge a 14-19 defeat to Ospreys in Round 4 – ill-discipline and the boot of Dan Biggar proving the difference on the night – the Welshmen will also take confidence from further provincial wins this season over Ulster and Connacht.

The fact that Ospreys have fallen from first to fifth on the table in the space of two weeks – with two defeats – will serve as a reminder to Munster (and all play-off contenders) of the need for strong and consistent performances at this stage of the season.

With it all to play for, a hectic feast of Guinness PRO12 action continues this Saturday night in Cork. From as little as €;20, you can be there cheering on Munster against Glasgow under Saturday-Night-Lights at the new Irish Independent Park.

Get your tickets online here, from the Munster Rugby ticket offices in Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.

Kids go free with our great value Family Terrace Pack available from €;40 (2 adults & 2 children) online here.

Munster V Glasgow Warriors, Guinness PRO12 Round 16, Saturday February 28th – KO 7:15pm.