Treviso Lie In Wait

Get the pre-match stats as Munster prepare to welcome Benetton Treviso to Irish Independent Park for Round 20 of the Guinness PRO12 this Saturday – KO 3.05pm.

With just three rounds of the Guinness PRO12 left to play, only the top five teams can now make the play-offs, but with qualification for next season’s European Champions Cup based on meritocracy, there is something to play for in every match this weekend.

Munster, who are in second place thanks only to a better points difference than interprovincial rivals Ulster, will be looking to consolidate their advantage with a win over Treviso, which will be no easy task as the Italians are looking towards next season’s Champions Cup qualification.

Zebre, who travel to Edinburgh this weekend, are closing in on Treviso in the race to claim the Italian spot and must be hoping their host’s attention will be focused elsewhere as Edinburgh also prepare for the final of the European Challenge Cup.

With a lot at stake for both teams in Irish Independent Park this weekend, Treviso will have no fear when it comes to facing an Irish province, having already produced two sterling performances against Leinster and Ulster this season.

Matt O’Connor’s side counted themselves lucky when taking the spoils at the Stadio Monigo in November with the Italian outfit running in four tries. In fact, were it not for a missed penalty in the dying minutes of the game, the hosts would have secured a famous scalp over the current PRO12 champions.

A couple of months later and it was the Ulstermen who also came close to foundering on Italian soil. After racking up a 0-24 lead in the opening 30 minutes, Neil Doak’s men did well to hang on for a four point victory after the hosts responded with 20 unanswered points.

Such performances, coupled with their bid for European qualification showcases Treviso’s desire and ability to create an upset in Cork this weekend.

For their part, the Men in Red cannot afford any such slip ups – just four points separates first from fourth on the PRO12 table – with Foley’s charges looking to maintain their current run of form that has seen them lose just one of their last seven league encounters – losing 12-26 to Ospreys at Liberty Stadium on March 7^th.

You can be there to cheer on Munster as they look to secure a PRO12 semi-final spot. Adult tickets from just €;15 and Family tickets from €;30 can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.