Preview of the Champions Cup’s 16th Round
Northampton Saints versus Munster
Franklin’s Gardens, Sunday, 12:30 PM
Live Broadcast: BT Sports
Taking into account their consistent playing form, Northampton Saints being favourites for the coming match against Munster does pass the muster. Having made a striking comeback in January at Thomond Park with only 14 players for the majority of the game, they look strong heading into the quarter-finals. Given this, a potential home tie versus the Bulls or possibly Lyon looks likely in the offing.
However, Northampton would be missing their standout England full-back, George Furbank, who was instrumental in winning against Munster in January through his successful counterattacks. His role in England’s Six Nations victory against Ireland is also noteworthy. Alex Mitchell, an influential player from both those victorious matches, whose absence was felt due to injury, is rejoining, albeit only on the bench.
On the flipside, team captain Lewis Ludlam, along with Sam Graham and the experienced Courtney Lawes, are making a return post their win over Saracens last week. Courtney Lawes, now 34, was notably missed in Munster’s pool double the previous season, but played a crucial part in the Thomond Park comeback.
Munster’s chances are certainly bolstered by the rejoining of Simon Zebo, despite his injury during the pool meeting, and RG Snyman, enhancing their much-vaunted X factor considerably. This brings a twist to the game with Thomas Ahern and Conor Murray also rejoining the substitutes, providing a stronger bench than the previous match.
All-Ireland League: Terenure hope to continue their winning streak securing a third consecutive home semi-final.
However, Munster is feeling the sting of Oli Jager’s absence further escalated by their failed appeal for John Ryan’s three-game suspension for a tip tackle in the previous match. This unfortunate event leads to Mark Donnelly, an up-and-coming academy prop, replacing Ryan on the bench. He made his Champions Cup debut against Wasps in 2021 and since then, has had seven more appearances in the URC off the bench.
The memorable match against Wasps in December 2021, marred by the pandemic, is testament to the fact that one should never undervalue Munster’s motivation in this tournament. The Saints are preparing to host their first home elimination game in the contest at Northampton since 2000, with previous fixtures having taken place in Milton Keynes. There’s been talk of Munster sending back a few tickets, likely on account of the resourceful Red Army having arranged for their own tickets. Consequently, an approximate 3,500 Red Army members are anticipated to be part of the over 15,000 audience.
With powerful gusts swirling around a potentially electric environment, the referee, Mike Adamson, is predicted to play a crucial role in the match. Questions persist regarding Munster’s capacity to maintain their lead this season and the quality of their set-piece. However, generally, the team’s lineout operates smoothly when Niall Scannell and Peter O’Mahony – an equivalently inspiring force for his team as Lawes over the past decade and more – lead the helm.
Looking back on the January match, Munster will likely regret squandering their 20-10 lead with three tries and only thirty minutes left. As Graham Rowntree observed, Munster gave away foolish penalties and compounded their mistake with a clumsy exit. This led to O’Mahony rushing a clearance which resulted in Gavin Coombes hitting the ground.
Despite scoring the third try for Munster that day, Coombes’ impact was hindered owing to his position change to the second row after Ahern was stretchered off. This was due to the second blow to the head he received from Saints’ hooker, Curtis Langdon, which resulted in a 37th-minute red card. If Munster is to upset the status quo and secure a victory in the midlands, they will be dependent on yet another stellar performance from their reliable number 8, similar to his incredible performance during the pool triumph here in the previous season.
It’s also worth noting that Craig Casey and Jack Crowley were outclassed by Mitchell and the confident Fin Smith less than a quarter of a year ago. Reversing that result is entirely within their scope, as this Munster team possesses the talent to deliver a superior performance.
Moreover, this is a solitary cup match and needless to say, Munster has regularly managed to resist the predicted outcome, particularly when placed in an all-or-nothing situation.
The NORTHAMPTON SAINTS squad consists of: James Ramm, Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Burger Odendaal, Ollie Sleightholme; Fin Smith, Tom James; Emmanuel Iyogun, Curtis Langdon, Trevor Davison, Alex Moon, Alex Coles, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam (captain), Sam Graham. Coming in as replacements are: Sam Matavesi, Alex Waller, Paul Hill, Temo Mayanavanua, Angus Scott-Young, Juarno Augustus, Alex Mitchell, George Hendy.
As for MUNSTER, the team comprises of: Mike Haley; Simon Zebo, Antoine Frisch, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Tadhg Beirne (captain), RG Snyman; Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes. Joining them as substitutes are: Eoghan Clarke, Josh Wycherley, Mark Donnelly, Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Seán O’Brien.
The appointed referee for this match is Mike Adamson originating from Scotland.
The match prediction sees Munster emerging victorious.