Johann van Graan prepares for his first European away trip this Sunday when his side travel to Welford Road for another clash with Leicester Tigers.

Munster currently sit top of Pool 4 following their bonus point win over the same opposition last weekend at Thomond Park.

The South African is aware that the Premiership side will want to make amends for their poor performance in Limerick but knows it’s something that he has no control over.

“I think it’s about controlling the controllable. They will want to improve but I can’t control what they do. We can only control what we can. Start from zero, like we did this morning. Prepare as well as we can and be up for the big game on Sunday evening. Like I said last week it’s a quality side, quality coaching staff. Some of those half backs and those outside backs are a threat. They might have a few guys returning as well. It will be a different game on Sunday, different conditions different referee but still the same game of rugby. I’m looking forward to it.”

Last Monday night, defending champions Saracens were dismantled by Top 14 side Clermont at Allianz Park, a result that, for many, has blown the competition wide open. Van Graan says it just goes to show the level of competition in the tournament.

“I didn’t really watch the game. I saw some bits of it. I just saw the score. That’s the thing about rugby. Every team evolves, and every team adapts. I think there’s just so many quality sides, just look at the European games over the weekend. There’s quality side’s in Europe at this stage and anybody can beat anybody home or away”

Munster centre Sam Arnold was awarded man of the match last week but there certainly are cases to be made for numerous members of the side on the night. One of those being back row forward Chris Cloete, who made his Champions Cup debut. The South African turned in a dogged performance for the province, having only joined up with the squad in October.

“I thought he played well. I thought his decision making was very good. I’d still like to get him fitter. Its only his third or fourth game I believe in the northern hemisphere, so he needs to improve by quite a bit but very happy by where he is at this stage. He works hard and is a very nice individual and I think he fits in very well with the team”

Van Graan himself is still adapting to the European game having also recently moved from South Africa. He says it’s a different game, especially at the breakdown.

“I think it’s a totally different game. I think there’s a lot more contact in the northern hemisphere. Possibly the field is a bit softer, a bit colder teams play a bit differently, they put more numbers into the breakdown. It’s different to what I’ve encountered in the southern hemisphere.

Keith Earls and Niall Scannell have returned to training this week and their involvement would give Munster a big boost ahead of what should be a tough away clash. Having monitored their progress all week, van Graan will reveal whether they have made the match day squad when he announces his team today.

We’ll reassess how they go at the end of the week. They might be in the 23 or they might play in the A team game or thy might not play”.

European Champions Cup Pool 4 Leicester Tigers v Munster, Welford Road, KO 5.30.