Stakes are raised for showdown on Good Friday

MUNSTER’S victory over Glasgow Warriors and the defeat of the Ospreys by the Dragons have considerably enhanced the holders’ prospects of not only reaching the Magners League play-offs but also achieving their ambition of a home semi-final.

Leinster’s win over Connacht means they remain clear four points leaders from Munster, making the clash of the sides at Thomond Park on Friday all the more appealing. Edinburgh are locked on 38 points with Munster and the fourth spot is held by Glasgow with 34, one better than the Ospreys who still have a game in hand.

Even if there wasn’t so much at stake, Friday’s game is absolutely for the Munster players, management and supporters given the embarrassingly heavy defeats they have suffered in the last two meetings of the sides.