Sherry Set For Attritional Battle

Munster hooker Mike Sherry discusses the lessons learnt from last weekend’s Champions Cup defeat to Leicester Tigers at Thomond Park as the province prepare for Sunday’s return encounter at Welford Road.

In a game where Munster came to rue missed opportunities, Sherry also cited his side’s failing to neutralise some of the anticipated Leicester treats as a contributing factor in the 19-31 defeat.

“As expected Leicester were good across the park. At set piece they had a good lineout, scrum and maul and Ben Youngs at scrum-half was a big threat like we knew he would be so that made it all the more disappointing for us to concede his try.

“As regards our own performance I think we played very well at times but didn’t finish off a lot of the opportunities that we created as well as presenting them opportunities. That’s not to take away from Leicester, any opportunity they had they took it.”

Tigers welcome Munster to Welford Road having won six of 10 home games against Irish opposition in the European Cup, including three of the last four. However to date Munster remain undefeated in Leicester and with a win key to Munster’s Champions Cup ambitions this season, Sherry and company will look to make this weekend’s fixture a keenly contested affair.

“This weekend’s game will definitely be attritional. As a forward pack we’re hurting after last weekend’s result so we have to front up, take them on and deliver on Sunday.

“I remember watching them when I was younger and they’d never lose at Welford Road and they’re back to being very strong at home. That’s the challenge but it’s very exciting to have the chance to go over there and prove ourselves.”

Leicester Tigers v Munster, European Champions Cup Round 4, Sunday December 20th at Welford Road – KO 5.15pm.

This game will be broadcast on BT Sport.

CLICK HERE for a full preview and the pre-match thoughts of Conor Murray.