Gerry Thornley’s match preview suggests that, judged by any sensible measure, Northampton are rightful favorites and are expected to proceed to the subsequent round of quarter-finals and thereby secure a home clash against the Bulls. The Saints have momentum on their side, having delivered a more reliable performance over the past season. Their remarkable comeback during the January clash at Thomond Park, coming from behind to win even while being one player short for most of the match, stands as testament to their resilience. However, the unpredictability of the game was illustrated during the pandemic-hit match against Wasps in December 2021, which showcased Munster’s ability to find inspiration from the tournament.
The most recent encounter between these two sides was in January. It was an unpredictable encounter which, in all fairness, Munster should have clinched. Despite leading 20-10 at one point with Northampton losing a player due to a red card violation, the game slipped away from them. Thornley observed in his match report that on the grounds of their rather inconsistent performance at Thomond Park, they had little room for objections.
He remarked, “Munster struggled more and more in their set pieces and despite demonstrating good form intermittently, their errors hindered any sustained rhythm and unity.”
Improvements will certainly be required if they hope to topple Northampton on their home turf.
Welcome to the live commentary of Munster’s away fixture against Northampton Saints, taking place at Franklin’s Gardens in the knockout stage of the Champions Cup. As the leading team in the English Premiership, Northampton emerged victorious in their last Champions Cup encounter with Munster, despite being on away soil and a player short. Their impressive record of 10 victories in 14 league games emphasizes the formidable challenge for Munster.
Fate has further hampered Munster with the disease-induced absence of RG Snyman, joined by Shane Daly on the sidelines. Jack Crowley, the outhalf for Ireland, is set for a key role for Munster against his equal, skilled number 10 Fin Smith from Northampton. The match launches at 12:30 pm.
The Northampton Saints squad features J Ramm, T Freeman, F Dingwall, B Odendaal, and O Sleightholme. Alongside them are F Smith and T James, with E Iyogun, C Langdon, and T Davison holding the fort. Rounding off the squad are A Moon, A Coles, C Lawes, L Ludlam, and S Graham as team captain. Reserve players include S Matavesi, A Waller, P Hill, T Mayanavanua, A Scott-Young, J Augustus, A Mitchell, and G Hendy.
Munster’s line-up includes Mike Haley, Seán O’Brien, Antoine Frisch, Alex Nankivell, and Simon Zebo. Jack Crowley and Craig Casey join the main squad, with Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, and Stephen Archer. Tom Ahern and Tadhg Beirne finalize the line-up, the latter being the team captain. Bench strength includes Eoghan Clarke, Josh Wycherley, Mark Donnelly, Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, and Shay McCarthy.