Cheetahs Are Coming

Thomond Park hosts its first encounter of the all-new Guinness PRO14 this Saturday with Munster’s Conference A counterparts, Cheetahs, coming to Limerick for the first time.

The Munstermen were the only Conference A team to record a bonus point win – against Benetton Rugby – in round one, while Cheetahs shipped a heavy 42-19 defeat away to a relentless Ulster.

Despite scoring the opening try at Kingspan – through outhalf Clayton Blommetjies – four first-half tries from Ulster ultimately put paid to the South African’s chances of a dream start in Belfast. Yet, a 23-point losing margin is hardly a fair reflection of the tourist’s capabilities, a side who are adapting to rugby life in a new hemisphere, competition and culture, while also having their squad split across two concurrent competitions at present – the PRO14 and Currie Cup.

Their capabilities are better demonstrated in the Currie Cup where they are the reigning champions and currently lie second in this season’s campaign with seven rounds played.  It’s worth noting also that Cheetahs have not lost successive games since they visited New Zealand in Super Rugby in May.  With their potential unquestioned, expect a big backlash from the Bloemfontein outfit on Saturday as they look to finish their first mini-tour to the northern hemisphere on a winning note.

One man well acquainted with this weekend’s visitors is Munster Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus.  Himself a former Springbok international, Erasmus’ association with Cheetahs dates back as far as the mid-90s, claiming Currie Cup titles with the provincial side in the 2000s, representing them in Super 12 action, and later becoming their first coach upon entry to the expanded Super 14 in 2006.

It’s hardly coincidental then that a former master meets his former apprentice in this round two clash – Cheetahs Head Coach Rory Duncan was coached by Erasmus during his aforementioned Super 14 tenure.

Feeling the potency of Ulster last weekend, Duncan knows a marked improvement is called for if his charges are to reverse their fortunes on Irish soil.  Munster have lost just once at home in any competition in 12 months, that one defeat coming against eventual champions Scarlets in February.

Depending on Erasmus’ team selection on Friday, Saturday’s game could be one of added significance for two Munstermen with Andrew Conway and Dave Kilcoyne on the verge of 100 PRO14 appearances.  Starting his playing career in his native Leinster, last weekend’s man of the match, Conway, made 38 Championship appearances for the Blues before moving down south where, to date, he has made 61 appearances, scoring 20 tries.

Returning international, Kilcoyne, could embark on his seventh PRO14 season in the red of Munster.  With 13 competition tries in 99 appearances to his name, the dynamic loosehead has twice been named on the PRO14 Dream Team, in seasons 2013/14 and 2016/17.

Tickets

Be there to witness history as the province take on South African opposition for the first time in competition – KO 5.15pm.

Adult tickets from €20 and Family tickets from €40 can be purchased online here.

Next up… a first for @thomondstadium as we welcome @CheetahsRugby to Limerick next week! See you there #MUNvCHE pic.twitter.com/dNHbZF7JDh

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) September 1, 2017