Quinlan ready for forward surge

MUNSTER will look to their forward pack as never before to steer them safely through tonight’s Heineken Cup storm against French champions Perpignan.

Veteran flanker Alan Quinlan believes Munster will have to adapt to the demands of English referee Wayne Barnes as much as standing up to one of the most physical sides in the northern hemisphere.

Once upon a time the visit of a French team to Thomond Park, no matter what the reputation, might not have set so many alarm bells ringing, but a combination of factors leaves Quinlan in no doubt that everything must fall perfectly into place for Munster to succeed tonight.