There is a major reunion on the cards in the Champions Cup this weekend when Munster lock horns with former out-half Ronan O'Gara as he looks to steer La Rochelle to another European title.
The club legend has been a revalation at the French side, winning them two Champions Cup titles since taking the top job back in 2019.
It is his first head coach role in his young but fruitful career and having been a major thorn in Leinster's side, beating them three times in Europe, he will look to do the same to his beloved Munster on Saturday.
Munster have had a tumultuous campaign; head coach Graham Rowntree was shockingly dismissed and academy director Ian Costello has since held the role on an interim basis.
Results and performances have been inconsistent, their statement European win at home to Saracens a highlight but defeat at home to Edinburgh in recent weeks proved sobering.
Munster are back to winning ways after an impressive showing away to Connacht at MacHale Park last weekend however, Jack Crowley - whose future remains uncertain - shining in the win.
Things look equally uncertain for La Rochelle, who by their own high standards are in a shocking run of form going into Saturday's European meeting.
Lenihan claims Munster have 'great chance' v La Rochelle
Former Munster captain Donal Lenihan believes the province, viewed as major underdogs when the draw was made, now have a 'great chance' of making some European history in the south of France.
He pointed to the abject run of form that La Rochelle find themselves in, as well as some major injury returns from a Munster perspective as cause for optimism ahead of the fixture.
Their last eight games they have a draw and seven defeats so that is certainly not where he is used to being," he said on RTÉ's Against The Head.
"A couple of weeks ago I wouldn't have given Munster much hope going down there particularly after that (loss to Edinburgh).
"Since that Edinburgh game they are starting to get players back; Jean Kleyn came back at the end there. Craig Casey back ahead of schedule brilliant with Jack Crowley over the weekend. Peter O'Mahony will be available next weekend.
"I give Munster a great chance."
"A couple of weeks ago I wouldn't have given them much hope...now I give Munster a great chance." - Donal Lenihan believes there could be a shock on the cards in La Rochelle on Saturday #rterugby pic.twitter.com/P1dqdLk29W
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) March 31, 2025
Craig Casey was fit and firing at scrum-half away to Connacht last weekend while lock Jean Kleyn, who has missed the majority of the last two seasons, made his return.
That, coupled with the fact that La Rochelle are winless in eight matches, is sure to increase belief for Munster supporters going into the weekend.
Munster have faltered at the last 16 stage of the competition twice in the last two seasons, last reaching the quarter-finals in 2022.
