Smarting Munster Rugby squad switches focus for visit of All-Blacks XV to Limerick

THE Munster Rugby squad is returning home from South Africa today as the focus switches to next Saturday's glamour international fixture with an All-Blacks XV at a sold-out Thomond Park, 5.30pm.

Munster suffered their third successive defeat in the BKT United Rugby Championship when going down, 24-41, to a star-studded Sharks outfit in Durban on Saturday last.

It is the first time in  nine years that 2023 winners Munster have lost three URC fixtures on the spin following reverses against Leinster and Stormers in recent weeks.

Munster have dropped to 12th place in the URC table as a result of losing four of their opening six League fixtures

The Sharks included members of South Africa's World Cup winning squad in their tight five on Saturday.

Following the game, Munster Rugby head coach Graham Rowntree said: “They are a powerful team and they caught us early on. We came back, we had opportunities, we got over the try line with Tadhg Beirne.

"Tom Farrell could have put Craig [Casey] away for a try. So we had our own opportunities but they took theirs better. At the end of the day they had that bit too much power for us.”

“We scrapped for a bonus point, some young men coming on and making big dents in the game. We tend to do that, but there were times where were overpowered.

“We go back to Ireland, we have a huge game for the club playing New Zealand in Thomond Park next weekend. We’ve a group of guys going into Ireland camp. This is the last time this group is going to be together for a while, so we’ll dust ourselves down and move forward."

The All-Blacks XV boasts a squad brimming with talent to Limerick, including ten capped All-Blacks. Players like Finlay Christie, Quinn Tupaea and Hoskins Sotutu bring senior All-Black international experience to Limerick.

Munster will be aiming to secure another historic win over a Southern Hemisphere team, after facing up against a Super Rugby side, 2023 Champions Crusaders last season. The unique match was held at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in front of a sell-out 40,885 attendance and saw Munster Rugby edge out the Christchurch outfit.