Ian Costello: “Munster forwards to win day if they keep lid on Cipriani”

WASPS assistant coach Ian Costello believes if Munster can keep Gloucester out-half Danny Cipriani quiet in Saturday’s big glamour Heineken Champions Cup clash, the home side’s pack of forwards can win the day.

Cosello, defence coach at Wasps this season, believes Gloucester are not as good a side as Munster’s Round 1 opponents, Exeter Chiefs.

Saturday's Pool 2 clash at Thomond Park kicks-off at 1pm and is live on Virgin Media 1, Channel 4 and BT Sport.

Costello joined Wasps backroom team this summer from Championship side Nottingham Rugby where he spent two years as head coach.

Ian Costello said: "It (Saturday’s game at Thomond Park) is a very interesting one for us because (Danny) Cipriani was the 10 here last year. He runs the team at Gloucester. He is the key decision-maker. I remember when Munster were preparing to play Sale in the European Cup, we felt stop Cipriani and you stop Sale. That is where they were at then and we beat them 27-26 over there.

"Cipriani was really good that day as we certainly didn't do as good a job stopping him as we would have liked.

"At Gloucester he has the same influence. He's had four or five incredible moments so far this season, but with Gloucester there is more than just him.

"I think (Billy) Twelvetrees outside him is another really good distributor. They have a really hard edge to their pack. (Flanker) Jake Polledri, Conor O'Shea did a really good bit of business getting him capped with Italy is one of the hottest properties in England at the moment, a phenomenal ball carrier and so explosive.

“They have that South African edge that Johan Ackermann (head coach) brings. They can be really hard and direct. They really confront you physically and as soon as they get you on the front foot, Cipriani is on the back end to launch a really exciting backline.

"Look, they are not at the same level as Exeter, but again it will be an interesting challenge. 

"I think if you keep Cipriani quiet and as the Munster pack are probably very well suited to get on top of the Gloucester pack I think that one will be a little bit more straight forward for them, I think.”