Outcomes that can see Munster in Champions Cup 1/4 Final

This weekend brings the pool stages of the 2018/2019 Champions and Challenge Cups to an end with all four Irish provinces with pathways the knockout stages. Some are quite clear while others are a little more complex. We look at Munster’s possible routes to a home 1/4 final.

Saracens are currently qualified for a 1/4 final at minimum with all the other spots up for grabs. The quarter-finals will be allocated on a seeded basis with the top four pool winners claiming home advantage. Teams ranked 5 to 8 will be on the road with seed 1v8, 2v7, 3v6 and 4v5

1. Saracens: 23 points (+85 points difference, 18 tries scored)
2. Racing 92: 21 (+62, 20)
3. Leinster: 20 (+98, 23)
4. Edinburgh: 19 (+62, 15)
5. Munster: 17 (+64, 15)
——————————-
6. Glasgow Warriors: 19 (+47, 16)
7. Ulster: 18 (+2, 16)
8. Toulouse: 17 (+10, 14)
—————————-
9. Montpellier: 16 (+51, 20)
10. Exeter: 13 (+32, 17)

Munster: For Johann van Graan’s side the equation is pretty simple. A win of any sort will be enough to top the pool, so too will a draw. A losing bonus point would also be enough if Munster can stop Exeter winning with a try bonus point. If this were to happen both teams would be on 18 points but Exeter would win the pool by virtue of their head to head superiority over Munster. If Munster were to pick up two losing bonus points it would also be enough regardless of Exeter gaining a bonus point win.

Munster will know on Friday evening whether or not the Edinburgh v Montpellier game will offer any sniff of a home quarter final. If the Scottish side draw or lose to Montpellier, it means Munster can surpass the Edinburgh total of 21 points with a bonus point win over Exeter. Should Montpellier pick up five match points against Edinburgh and finish level with Munster on 21 points, it would come down to points difference with Munster currently

Sunday’s pool one action could also provide an avenue for Munster through to a Thomond Park 1/4 final. If Leinster lose away to Wasps it means Munster and Toulouse will go into the final round level on 17 match points. Munster’s points difference is +54 better than Toulouse so if Johann van Graan’s side can match the Toulouse result in terms of wining match points the would take the home 1/4 final.