Munster need to get revving as Cup looms

Munster have a gilt-edged opportunity to finish 2012 on a high when they welcome a weakened Ulster side to Thomond Park this evening (5.30pm) for an intriguing RaboDirect Pro12 clash.

Revenge, both for last April’s Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat on the same ground and September’s league reverse at Ravenhill, will be high on Munster’s list of boxes to tick but so too will be attaining the error-free consistency, accuracy and intensity over 80 minutes that will be required for the challenges awaiting Rob Penney’s men in the New Year.

Having been overpowered by Saracens in round four of the Heineken Cup pool stages a fortnight ago, Munster got back on a winning track with a narrow and somewhat fortunate victory over Connacht at the Sportsground last Saturday night.