All You Need To Know | Connacht v Munster
2nd January 2019 By The Editor
Munster face Connacht on Saturday at the Sportsground in a vital Interpro clash at the top of Guinness PRO14 Conference A (7.35pm, live on TG4, eir sport 1 & Premier Sports 2).
Leaders Glasgow Warriors are two points ahead of Munster with Johann van Graan’s side three points ahead of third-placed Connacht after 12 rounds of action.
Connacht were in second place before Munster’s win over Leinster in Round 12 and there are plenty of positive signals that Andy Friend’s team may make a return to the knock-out stages for the first time since 2016.
Their derby form in recent weeks has been strong and they were very unlucky to be beaten by Leinster at the RDS two weeks ago. Connacht showed strong character to bounce back against Ulster last weekend and won all three of their home Interpro games last season.
Munster will want to solidify their place in the top end of Conference A following last Saturday night’s win over Leinster.
Check out the best training pics
Team Line-Ups
Both sides will be named at noon on Friday.
A Word From The Head Coach
Ahead of the game, Munster Head Coach Johann van Graan said: “Chris Farrell might be back and Rhys Marshall is back on the field. Liam O’Connor is back on the field training which is great news after his horrific knee injury last year.
“We always knew this was going to be a massive game in terms of the conference. You also want to build into Gloucester next week, so we might rotate within the 23, but I don’t foresee a lot of changes [from the team that defeated Leinster].”
Match Officials
Referee: Mike Adamson
Assistant Referees: Ben Blain & Paul Haycock
TMO: Simon McDowell
Next Home Game
Munster v Exeter Chiefs
More than 25,000 tickets have already been sold for Munster’s crucial Champions Cup clash against Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, January 19 (5.30pm).
The additional seating that has been installed at Thomond Park to increase the capacity of the ground to 26,267 has already sold out.
Terrace tickets are available here.
6 Nations Rugby In Cork
Six Nations rugby comes to Cork for the first time in the coming months as the Ireland U20s host England and France at Irish Independent Park.
Friday, February 1, 2019
Ireland U20s v England U20s, Irish Independent Park, 7.15pm; Buy tickets here
Friday, March 8, 2019
Ireland U20s v France U20s, Irish Independent Park, 7.15pm; Buy tickets here