The United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final between Munster and Ospreys is set to transpire at Thomond Park, Limerick, on Friday at 7.35pm. The match can be watched live on RTÉ 2, Premier Sports, and URC TV.
Munster’s recent winning streak encompasses nine matches in the URC, showing little signs of their focus wavering. While there have been hiccups along the way, as evidenced in the initial half of the match against Ulster, these did not stem from any deficiency in zeal.
When playing on home turf, Munster fervently seeks to overpower their opponents, a fact the visiting Ospreys team will soon find out. The Welsh team’s initial response will dictate their chances of effectively challenging Munster in the quarter-final.
Graham Rowntree, Munster’s coach, has influenced some positional changes after winning against Ulster. In place of the injured Rory Scannell (ankle), Antoine Frisch will take the centre position. John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes have been moved to the backrow, replacing Alex Kendellen and Jack O’Donoghue who will now be on the bench.
The bench has also been reorganised from a six-two to a five-three alignment. Consequently, Eoghan Clarke, Tom Ahern, and Joey Carbery will not be part of the matchday team following the reshuffle.
Wearing jersey number 16 on the day will be Diarmuid Barron, now fit after his injury. Tony Butler will join him as a replacement for Carbery (thumb injury), who had put up an admirable display coming off the bench against Ulster. Mike Haley’s availability once more is a welcome piece of good news.
Denis Leamy, the assistant coach of Munster, recognised some performance limitations during their last game. “Our performance was not flawless in the initial half with a 10-point deficit. Due to controllable factors, we lost some control. Maintaining more discipline could have obstructed Ulster from penetrating our 22 yards,” he acknowledged.
The most satisfying part during half-time, was our constructive conversation surrounding necessary changes and ways to improve. Our substitutes contributed magnificently which was encouraging. In the final 30 minutes, my boys performed exceptionally, achieving a triumphant victory against a very spirited and young Ulster team.
Two alterations are notable in the Ospreys line-up from the team that emerged victorious in a 33-29 victory against Cardiff at Arms Park the previous weekend. Owen Williams will now take the outhalf position over Dan Edwards, while Morgan Morse substitutes Harri Deaves on the bench.
Owen Williams has not been active in recent games, participating in only a few European Challenge Cup matches. Toby Booth, the Ospreys head coach, commented that the team has worked hard for their current position and are enthusiastic about it, yet they recognise the possible challenges of the game ahead.
Praised for their unity, Munster has a robust group with considerable quality, making them dangerous adversaries. This was affirmed by Leamy who commended their strength in set pieces, scrums, mauls, and lineouts. He also remarked on the unity within their team and their strong defensive tactics.
Leamy further mentioned that the interaction with Ospreys during the game in Swansea was challenging, pushing us to elevate our game. Players such as Jac Morgan, Morgan Morris and Keiran Williams, although not regular Welsh internationals, are vital to their club’s performance.
Turning towards Munster’s midfield, Frisch’s innovation will harmonise with the thriving back three comprising Simon Zebo, Calvin Nash and Shane Daly, who have all been performing impressively. Jack Crowley didn’t perform to his best in the last game but was supported by Carbery’s arrival. However, the Innishannon native has displayed exceptional form for the better part of Munster’s unbeaten streak.
Craig Casey’s agility and quick-fire distribution shone in the match, which is an aspect in which the Ospreys have shown unwavering strength this season. Their proficiency in set-piece work hasn’t escaped the notice of their rivals. Dewi Lake’s tenacity and Jac Morgan’s disruptive presence during breakdowns, coupled with Morris’s knack for carrying the ball, elevate the game.
Keiran Williams shows strength during contact behind the scrum, while Owen Watkins’ expertise as a Test centre is apparent. Adding to the strength of the team, Keelan Giles showcases a fast-paced style, not requiring a lot of space to speed through.
Nonetheless, the match is Munster’s to lose. With a 15-point lead as predicted by bookmakers, it seems a realistic projection, considering their momentum entering the knockout stages of the tournament. The other team, by comparison, barely made it past the final round of matches.
The teams:
MUNSTER features Simon Zebo, Calvin Nash, Antoine Frisch, Sean O’Brien, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; RG Snyman, Tadhg Beirne (captain); Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes. Their replacements include Diarmuid Barron, John Ryan, Oli Jager, Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Conor Murray, Tony Butler, Mike Haley.
OSPREYS comprises Max Nagy, Luke Morgan, Owen Watkin, Keiran Williams, Keelan Giles; Owen Williams, Reuben Morgan-Williams; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake, Tom Botha; James Ratti, Huw Sutton; Jac Morgan, Justin Tipuric (captain), Morgan Morris. The replacements are Sam Parry, Gareth Thomas, Rhys Henry, Victor Sekekete, Morgan Morse, Luke Davies, Luke Scully, Harri Houston.
The referee for the game is Hollie Davidson from Scotland.