Munster Rugby head coach Graham Rowntree expecting 'ding-dong' battle against Connacht

MUNSTER Rugby head coach Graham Rowntree is expecting a "ding-dong" battle against Connacht in their opening game of the URC season in Thomond Park this afternoon. 

The rivals last met on New Year's Day in the Sportsground where Connacht ran out 22-9 victors. Since then Munster have signed two of their neighbour's players in Tom Farrell and Diarmuid Kilgallen, adding to the excitement of today's opener. 

Speaking at the Munster Rugby press conference during the week Rowntree spoke about starting the season off with an inter-pro stating: "An inter-pro! That’s unusual, isn’t it, to start the season with an inter-pro. There’s always something that goes on in these games with our neighbours from up the road, and they’ve upped their game as well. They’ve upped their physicality. Some of the work they’re doing around the ruck is very physical.

“They’ve had some good outings. They beat the URC champions a couple of weeks ago, they lost against Bristol at the weekend and they beat the Sale Sharks, the Premiership semi-finalists. They’re always a handful and they always lift their game for us.

“We’ve had some ding-dongs with them. I think back to New Year’s Day. Crikey! The day after that, we were 11th in the table. So, what a start, and the spice of signing a couple of their lads.”

The province finished their 23/24 season with a disappointing URC semi-final loss to Glasgow Warriors in Thomond Park back in June. With this now behind them and a strong pre-season of work under their belts Munster feel like they are ready for action. 

Rowntree went on to speak about his goals for the season ahead saying: "Beat Connacht. I get asked this. 'Are you going to target Europe?' You're going to target every game. The club's got a prestigious affinity with Europe, we want to go deep into Europe. Beat Connacht first, keep the squad healthy, train well, bring young men through, have young men coming in to train with us as much as we can." Munster's opening game against Connacht this afternoon will be shown live on RTÉ 2