With Saracens pulling off a come from behind win against an ill disciplined Racing Metro in Nantes yesterday, Munster know exactly what they must do this afternoon in Murrayfield.
Going into yesterday’s games, there was the possibility that they could top their Pool One if the won their remaining games starting today in Edinburgh. But now in all probability they’ll have to fight for a best runner up spot along with several others.
Saracens are on 18 points with a home game to come against Munster’s opponents this afternoon and the English club are now a very short order with the bookies to close the deal next weekend.
The snow that’s falling in the Scottish capital this morning is not likely to have much affect on proceedings except perhaps to force the introduction of an orange coloured ball. And the home with nothing to play for other than pride can be counted on to give more than a good account of themselves and their supporters who may in fact be matched in numbers by Munster folk who have descended on the city in their droves.
Four points is a must but not a gimme in the most important game of Munster’s season.
Munster: F Jones; D Howlett capt, K Earls, J Downey, S Zebo; R O'Gara, C Murray; D Kilcoyne, D Varley, BJ Botha; D O'Callaghan, D Ryan; P O'Mahony, T O'Donnell, J Coughlan. Replacements: M Sherry, W du Preez, J Ryan, B Holland, P Butler, D Williams, I Keatley, C Laulala.
Edinburgh Rugby: Greig Tonks; Dougie Fife, Ben Cairns, Matt Scott, Tim Visser; Greig Laidlaw capt, Richie Rees; Allan Jacobsen, Steven Lawrie, Willem Nel; Grant Gilchrist, Sean Cox; Stuart McInally, Dimitri Basilaia, David Denton. Replacements: Andy Titterrell, Robin Hislop, Geoff Cross, Netani Talei, Roddy Grant, Piers Francis, Ben Atiga, Sep Visser
