Glasgow head coach Gregor Townsend fell foul of a resurgent Munster on no fewer than four occasions this season, and he believes they might have what it takes to down his side's Champions Cup quarter-final conquerors Saracens in tomorrow's semi-final.
The English and European champions eventually dispatched of Townsend's capable Glaswegians on a scoreline of 38-13 at Barnet Copthall earlier this month, and Townsend suspects the third-place Premiership side will be more than ready for the challenge which awaits them at the Aviva Stadium.
They are confident with all aspects of their game. They will see coming over to Ireland as a challenge that they are ready for.
It is going to be a great game. Munster played really well in the Champions Cup, played really well all season. A lot of the things Munster do really well, so do Saracens. Defensively these are the two best defensive teams in Europe so something has got to give there.
The former Scotland international, however, has spotted one aspect of Sarries' play which Munster - if they're capable - may seek to exploit during tomorrow's game.
Townsend is of the opinion that the PRO12's 'more dynamic' breakdown offers Munster an opportunity to match their Premiership opponents up front, and therefore disrupt Saracens' sound fundamentals, which are not dissimilar to Munster's.
[Saracens] tend to play once they get ahead of a team, but their game is based on pressure. It’s making sure they don’t make mistakes in their own half. Something they have got is a brilliant kicking scrum-half (Richard Wigglesworth), like Munster. It’s a good match-up.
You will see very passionate teams, the clash of Irish rugby and Pro12 rugby against the English Premiership will be very interesting because the breakdown is probably more dynamic in our league than it is in England. But it will be very close to call.
Saracens, if they do get on the front foot, with the size of players they have, can be a very dangerous attacking team. But if you can match that, then it can become an arm-wrestle.
It promises to be a titanic tussle between two sides with significant European pedigree, but Munster will hope they and 50,000 roaring supporters can break Saracens' will and fold them over in Dublin.
Munster v Saracens kicks off at 3:15pm.
[Irish Examiner]
