Overcoming a 17-7 half-time lag, Munster secured a 29-24 bonus-point win against Ulster at Thomond Park, ensuring a top league position and securing home field advantage for their defence of the Championship title they previously won in the United Rugby Championship.
Their first knockout challenge will be on Friday night, with a game against the Ospreys visiting Limerick. A win would see Graham Rowntree’s squad facing the victors from the quarter-final match between the Glasgow Warriors and the Stormers.
Aiding Munster’s ninth consecutive win was the support from the bench and the outstanding performance by wing Calvin Nash, who was awarded man of the match. Commenting on the win, Nash acknowledged the competition from Ulster. The coming match against the Ospreys is anticipated to be tough, but the team is enthusiastic about having a home quarter.
Unfortunately, Munster may have to proceed without centre Rory Scannell due to a severe ankle injury. Ospreys coach Toby Booth conceded that Munster is a strong team, being the reigning champions and showing impressive performances up until now.
Ulster will be travelling to Dublin to play against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium this coming Saturday evening, with Leinster hoping to score a hatrick of wins after achieving home and away pool stage victories.
During the victory over Connacht, Jack Conan was taken out of the game during the intermission due to slight tension, according to Leinster’s head coach Leo Cullen. He didn’t believe the condition was severe. He also updated that Garry Ringrose had received encouraging feedback from the medical consultant and is expected to return to full physical training this week. However, participation in this week’s game might be premature.
The team that triumphs in the Leinster versus Ulster match would proceed to South Africa if the Bulls manage to defeat Benetton.
Regarding the URC quarterfinals:
Munster Rugby, topping the table, will square off against the Ospreys, who are eighth, at the Thomond Park on Friday, starting at 7.35pm.
On Saturday, the matches will proceed as follows – the Bull, who occupy the second slot, will be pitted against Benetton rugby, taking the seventh spot, at Loftus Versfeld at 2.30. Following this at 5.0, Leinster, who are third, will face Ulster Rugby, sixth, at Aviva Stadium. Lastly, the Glasgow Warriors, fourth, will compete with the DHL Stormers, fifth, in Scotstoun at 7.35.