McGahan: ‘a must-win Cup final’

MUNSTER continued preparations at University of Limerick yesterday for the second of their pool-defining reverse fixtures against Clermont Auvergne with head coach Tony McGahan describing the Thomond Park sell-out a ‘must-win Cup final’.

The intensity of their workout suggested these were men on a revenge mission for last Sunday’s loss — their first in Europe since last January.

McGahan named an extended 26-man squad for the visit of ASM which included Jerry Flannery and Denis Hurley, the former surely coming into contention for a starting place. Flannery missed last weekend’s game in France having picked up a knee injury in Ireland’s final autumn international against the Pumas, but McGahan said the hooker “trained well” and “hopes to be available” for Saturday.