Jaco Taute: Munster face 'one hell of a task in Ulster'

RECENTLY arrived Munster centre Jaco Taute admits the side face 'one hell of a task' against Ulster in Belfast this Friday night in the wake of an 'unbelievable experience' against' Glasgow Warriors last weekend.

Taute scored Munster's second try in their excellent 38-17 bonus point Champions Cup win over the Warriors last weekend.

Now the South African and his team mates are eyeing Friday night's trip to Kingspan Stadium, 7.05pm.

Taute said Anthony Foley's shock death had brought the Munster squad closer together and he thanks the coaching team for helping them through.

Taute said: “I only knew Axel for about a month and a half but from the first moment I had any inter-action with him I could sense the pride and the passion he had for this place and for this community.

“He was absolutely driven, he was a great individual and I could sense that if I get the opportunity to play I had better do the jersey its justice.

“And that’s an amazing feeling to have because you get the sense that you are playing for something bigger than yourself.

“After his passing it was very tough, very sudden, and it brought the group together and all credit must go to the management for really helping us through that time.

“As I didn’t know Axel that long, I just wanted to be a supportive role for the boys. We got through that week and we were lucky to have the opportunity to pay tribute to him in the way that was fitting at Thomond Park and to play for him and the way he wanted us to play.

“The 80 minutes flew past so quickly, it was an unbelievable experience, the crowd was insane. I don’t think I have ever experienced anything like that.

“I had only heard about the rumours about Thomond Park, only seen videos, but it was actually amazing.”

Munster's focus switches back to the Pro12 on Friday and Taure appreciates the important of the interpro games from his involvement against Leinster in recent weeks.

Taute, capped three times by the Springboks, said: “These games are very special, I saw that against Leinster, every game between the four provinces is massive and it is going to a hell of a task come Friday night but it is something we all look forward to. Back in South Africa the derby matches were great, really tough, because you play against guys you know. But that’s how you want to play rugby.”