Peter O'Mahony said with a wry smile this week that it's time to get back to work. After the euphoria of the Grand Slam, Munster's international contingent return to the Thomond trenches this weekend for the small matter of a Champions Cup quarter-final against fellow European aristocrats, Toulon. If you're not going to make it to Limerick on Saturday, then worry not. Read on for details on where to watch Munster vs Toulon.
Where to watch Munster vs Toulon?
The game is live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event on Saturday afternoon. Coverage begins at 2.30pm and 2.55pm on the respective channels, with kick-off at 3.15pm.
What's Munster's injury toll like, post-Six Nations?
While Ireland's player management programme is feted during the Six Nations, the abrasiveness of the seven-week competition usually leaves the Irish provinces diminished by injury by the time the Champions Cup quarter-finals swing around. This year has proved no different, with Munster deprived of the services of Keith Earls following his knee injury late in the game at Twickenham. Also missing for Munster are openside flankers Tommy O'Donnell and Chris Cloete, out-half Tyler Blyendaal, scrum-half Duncan Williams, and centre Chris Farrell.
Here's the Munster team in full:
Simon Zebo; Andrew Conway, Sammy Arnold, Rory Scannell, Alex Wootton; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Rhys Marshall, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland; Peter O'Mahony (c), Jack O'Donoghue, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Niall Scannell, James Cronin, John Ryan, Gerbrandt Grobler, Robin Copeland, James Hart, JJ Hanrahan, Darren Sweetnam
Are Toulon in good form?
Yep. Toulon warmed up for this game with a 49-0 victory over Clermont. They lie fourth in the Top 14, and expect to have their brilliant captain Guilhem Guirado fit for this game. They also expect to have Duane Vermeulen available, but there are doubts regarding Juandre Kruger's fitness while Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe will be unavailable.
What are the betting odds?
In spite of their absurd injury list, Munster are rated as narrow favourites (on Irish betting sites, at least). The home side are rated at 8/13, while Toulon are available at 11/8. It is expected to be tight, however, with the spread at three points.
So, a reminder of where to watch Munster vs Toulon - it's on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event, with kick off at 3.15pm on Saturday.
