LISTEN: JvG says Munster need to “fire on all cylinders” in South Africa

Off the back of their last gasp win against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday, Munster have travelled to South Africa to face the Cheetahs in round 8 of the Guinness Pro 14. 

The win sees Munster sit in third place in the table on 19 points, eight points behind leaders, The Warriors.

Soon after his arrival in South Africa, Johann van Graan spoke about the importance of the win in Thomond Park against the table toppers.

“It was a very important win for us. A lot of effort went into that win. You saw what it meant to the players at the final whistle and we knew we were playing against a quality side.”

“Four quarters to that (Glasgow) game. I though the first one we dominated. the second and third one Glasgow played really well. (But) I was very happy with our performance in the last 20 to come back against a quality side. Fourteen points down to a win is a very good thing for a coach.”

The Cheetahs will provide a very different test for Munster with their quick, open style of rugby. Although they prop up the table, The Cheetahs will be a tough task for a Munster side without nine Irish internationals.

Furthermore, the South African side tend to perform better at home, which was proved last year when Munster needed a last minute penalty from Conor Murray to secure a 19-17 victory.

Johann van Graan is well aware of the threat the Cheetahs will pose and says his side will have to be at their best to come away with the win.

“The game last year was won with a penalty in the lastminute. It will be a real tough battle and like I said, The Cheetahs play anexciting brand of rugby. I think our attack has improved a lot but this weekend we have to fire on all cylinders.”

“They’ve got real speed out wide, possibly some of the quickest guys in the competition.”