Jack O’Donoghue looking forward to Bloemfontein experience

Munster will hope to leave their South African visit with two wins following this Friday’s Pro14 clash with the Cheetahs.

Johann van Graan’s side enjoyed the benefit of a strong travelling support in their win over the Southern Kings last week. Something that back row forward Jack O’Donoghue appreciated.

“Great support there was a massive turnout for both the Kings and Munster, there was nearly more of a following for us. A lot of the supporters are really enjoying coming out here and availing of the opportunity of Munster playing in South Africa.”

Munster’s must prepare for this Friday’s clash in the Cape Town heat but O’Donoghue says it feels like any other game week.

“It’s the exact same. Pretty normal for a Friday night game nothing really changes. That’s credit to the S & C, medical staff and coaches, it makes the transition from Ireland to South Africa that bit easier.”

The Waterford man will gain a new experience of playing at altitude this Friday. While he expects a sterner test than the previous encounter between the sides where Munster enjoyed a 51-18 victory.

“It’s going to be a new experience for me personally, I’ve never played at altitude. Going up to Bloemfontein they are a proud region and they really do get behind the Cheetahs so it’s going to be a good experience but it’s not going to be an easy task.”

The South African side have grown in the competition since those early games and have established themselves as a hugely competitive side, especially in Bloemfontein where they’ve only suffered one Pro 14 defeat this season at the hands of top side Glasgow.

A home win would put them in with a chance of a home quarter-final, however a Munster win will guarantee the Irish province a second place finish with a game to go and a Thomond Park quarter-final.