Lion’s den awaits as Munster travel to Saracens

Tests don’t come much bigger for Munster than facing the European and English champions Saracens on their own patch. Johann van Graan’s side go into their fourth Champions Cup game of the campaign one point off top spot after last weekend’s win over Saracens at Thomond Park, but are likely to face an opposition that will have their big guns out in force.

Whether they admit it or not, Saracens came to Thomond Park with a weakened side, but are likely to have Owen Farrell, Jamie George, Mako Vunipola, Billy Vunipola and George Kruis in their starting XV for the crucial Pool 4 contest in Barnet.

Munster weathered the conditions and the challenge to come out with a 10-3 victory last weekend, with Peter O’Mahony’s try and JJ Hanrahan’s conversion the difference between the teams. Van Graan is expecting more of the same for the holders of the competition this Saturday.

“The beauty of European rugby is the double headers back to back,” said van Graan earlier this week. “You have more analysis to do this week as both teams have seen each other and you have got to decide what to keep and what do you change.

“We are playing against the very best team in Europe. They have got so much quality within their squad and what they do. I think both teams couldn’t show everything they had on the weekend because you only had 40 minutes really to do what you want ball in hand.

“A massive challenge ahead. It was evident when they draw came out that it was going to be a brilliant two weeks in terms of the challenge. A lot of times you say that it doesn’t get bigger than this, but in terms of European rugby, going to Saracens is.”

Van Graan also added that the squad have a number of knocks, but suffered no major injuries from the Saracens game. Rhys Marshall is one player that will not be involved due after joining the long term injury list, but there is better news surrounding the fitness of Chris Cloete, who took part in team training on Monday.

Munster have operated with a six – two split on the bench for games in recent weeks and that is partly to do with injuries to Joey Carbery and Tyler Bleyendaal at out half. Van Graan admits that it a forward heavy bench could be in operation again for Saturday’s away trip.

“Every week you look at what lies ahead. It has certainly worked for us thus far, but you look at game management and what the opposition brings. You look at the surface and weather conditions. It’s looking that it might be another massive wind so you just have to look at what lies ahead and we will make the calls closer to the game.

“It has worked well for us, but it has also worked when we have gone  five – three as well. I think the biggest difference this week is the surface. They have been exceptional at Allianz Park. They have only lost once there in Europe before. You look at that and you see the challenge that awaits us.”