Taming the Lions would put Munster in great position for run-in
RG Snyman on the charge against the Bulls - his presence makes a big difference for Munster. Photo: Sportsfile
After a few days back down at sea level Munster are aiming high as they return to the veld where they’ll look to keep their run of wins on South African soil going.
It’s been an emotional week, with the players gathering to lay a wreath in memory of former academy coach Greig Oliver at the site of his tragic death in Cape Town last June.
Back in Johannesburg, they know that opportunity knocks.
The Lions potentially did them a favour last weekend by beating Leinster well, opening up the top of the table for an exciting run-in.
Third in the table, Munster are still six points back from their rivals and five off Glasgow Warriors but they have a more favourable run-in than the Scots and have a singular focus unlike Leinster.
Their injury list has cleared, although John Hodnett is a loss here and limits what Graham Rowntree can unleash from his bench against one of the most exciting teams in the tournament.
The key today is to limit errors against the Lions who punished Leinster’s sloppiness over and over again a week ago.
Up the road, Munster earned an excellent win over the Bulls and, if he was concerned that it might have taken something out of their legs, the coach isn’t showing it as he presses 14 of the starting XV into service again.
Seán O’Brien comes in for Alex Nankivell in the sole change, while Hodnett’s leg issue means Mike Haley comes on to the bench in a 5/3 split.
The Lions recall the livewire Jordan Hendrikse at full-back in the only change to their team that beat Leinster, and they have got plenty of incentive to claim the spoils as they target a top-eight finish.
Only Leinster and the Bulls have scored more points than the Lions, who ran six tries in against Leo Cullen’s side at the same venue last weekend.
They thrive on turnover ball and have the power and pace to conjure scores from anywhere.
Munster will have to play with more structure but they have plenty to build on from last week.
RG Snyman’s availability is a boon and the rest of the team react so well to what he brings, with Jack Crowley shining last weekend and Conor Murray looking back to his best.
Those two will be key to their side’s capacity to control the match.
Taming these Lions is not easy and the hosts are in form, but Munster have the capacity to keep the ball for long periods and dictate the play.
Their title defence won’t be over if they slip up but it would be a major kick in the teeth considering the position they put themselves in last weekend.
They have shown their true colours over and over again on these visits to the Rainbow Nation, now wouldn’t be a good time to halt their run.
Verdict: Munster
Lions: J Hendrikse; R Kriel, E Cronje, M Louw (capt), E van der Merwe; S Nohamba, M van der Berg; M Naude, J Visagie, R Dreyer; W Alberts, R Delport; JC Pretorius, E Tshituka, F Horn. Reps: PJ Botha, JP Smith, A Nklabakanye, R Nothnagel, R Venter, S Sangweni, N Steyn, G Lombard.
Munster: S Zebo; C Nash, A Frisch, S O’Brien, S Daly; J Crowley, C Murray; J Loughman, N Scannell, S Archer; RG Snyman, T Beirne (capt); P O’Mahony, A Kendellen, J O’Donoghue. Reps: E Clarke, J Wycherley, O Jager, T Ahern, G Coombes, C Casey, J Carbery, M Haley.
Ref: C Evans (Wales)
Lions v Munster
Live, TG4/Premier Sports, 4.0
