Confident Munster Rugby primed for high stakes Northampton clash

“THE character, fight and work rate stuff have given us a really solid foundation, but we have to carry that through to the Northampton game. They are lethal and can change a scoreboard so quickly.”

This was interim head coach Ian Costello's description of Munster Rugby's final group game against opponents Northampton Saints next Saturday, 3.15pm.

Munster have put themselves in with a shot of topping Pool Three of the Investec Champions Cup after recording a hard fought 17-12 home victory over Saracens in Thomond Park on Saturday. A win away against Northampton on Saturday will guarantee a home last 16 game, but the task at Franklin's Gardens is far from an easy one.

Speaking about Northampton, Ian Costello said: “The danger with Northampton is that they can score from anywhere at anytime so we have to make sure that our next week is on point and we have to arrive again with the right mindset and very fresh to give ourselves a chance at topping the group.

“ I know the team that wins next Saturday will have to score tries as well, not just penalties.”

Munster have set up a high stakes final round group game in the Champions Cup after producing an excellent second half against Sarries’ to secure a vital win.

Man of the Match and captain Tadhg Beirne also spoke about the determination his Munster side showed throughout the contest.

“I think it was a bit of a slog out there at times and it felt like one of those typical European nights in Thomond Park,” Beirne said.

“Getting the crowd behind us was huge for us and giving them a victory felt amazing for all the lads, you could feel the energy on the pitch. Every win in this competition is vital, it gives us a real chance of a home Top 16 game and to play in front of a home crowd would be something special again.”

In a surprise result on Saturday, Northampton fell short against Stade Francais, resulting in their first loss of the Champions Cup. This leaves the door open for Munster to possibly win pool three if they get the better of the Saints next weekend.

The last time the two sides met was in the last 16 of the Champions Cup last season where Munster fell to a 24-14 defeat in Franklin's Gardens. After the confident display against Sarries’, Munster will approach next weekend's game in confident mood.