The permutations heading into the final two weeks of the URC are vast and hugely consequential, and Munster find themselves in a position where not make the Champions Cup is a very thinkable reality.
They will most likely need at least a point out of each of their two fixtures in South Africa - against the Stormers and the Sharks - to give them a chance of qualifying.
A lot depends, however, on Bennetton's situation. If the Italians do not qualify through league position but win the Challenge Cup, it will most likely mean that only the top six URC sides qualify for Europe next season.
Should Munster fail to reach the Champions Cup, they can look back at their disastrous early season form, which they have renewed in the last few weeks, as to why they will be playing Challenge Cup rugby in 2023/24.
"I think Munster rugby's been a bit of a roller coaster this year hasn't it," said Stephen Ferris in one of our regular interviews - in association with Ladbrokes.
And everybody got behind Graham Rowntree at the start of the season but they couldn't get up and going.
There was a lot of worry, there was even chat about Graham Rowntree not being the right guy. Another couple of losses on the bounce, his job probably could have been up for grabs.
But fair play to him and his coaching group they got it together.
That South Africa 'A' game seemed to be a bit of a turning point for them, and they got a number of good fixtures and good results and before you know it they're jumping up the table.
Stephen Ferris Backs Munster To Pull It Out Of The Bag
1 April 2023; Conor Murray of Munster after the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 match between Cell C Sharks and Munster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium in Durban, South Africa. Photo by Darren Stewart/Sportsfile
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When put into these perilous situations, more often than not, Munster tend to find an otherwordly strength, rooted in years of tradition, to guide them through.
"But the last number of weeks it's been same old Munster from the start of the season, playing some really good stuff at times, and then playing some really mediocre and averge rugby that's costing them," continued Ferris.
"The turnovers, the handling errors, the missed tackles, conceding a lot of points in each of their last four or five games.
"They had Scarlets at home, were up 40 odd points, and Scarlets are going into the last minute with a chance of winning the match. It's really un-Munster like.
"And with the last two fixtures away in South Africa, I do expect them to get a point or two out of these games, and I think that'll be enough to give them Champions Cup rugby next season.
"The thing with Munster rugby is they usually find a way."
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