Penney braced for key Perpignan tests

Munster’s double-header with Perpignan in December looks like being the key to qualification from the pool stages of the 2013/14 Heineken Cup following the release of the official fixture list yesterday.

But head coach Rob Penney has indicated that he is pleased with the hand Munster have been dealt.

Munster’s European quest begins with the visit of Edinburgh and Penney is well aware that familiarity with the Scottish side is “a case of the devil you know versus the devil you don’t.” The New Zealander stressed that Edinburgh “won’t be the same side as they were last year and if they replicate what they did the year before they’ll be very dangerous.”

The following week presents Munster with a Saturday evening clash in Thomond Park against Gloucester, which Penney has highlighted as “great for the supporters.” The English side have plenty of talent in their ranks and the Munster coach noted that the rivalry between the two teams has “alittle bit of history there which always adds a bit of spice to it.”

The two December games against Perpignan will be crucial, however, especially as Munster face a six-day turnaround between the fixtures. Penney called Perpignan “a side that are really trying to force their way into the top echelon of the Top 14.”

The final block of pool fixtures in January sees Munster travel to Gloucester before finishing at home to Edinburgh. Again, Penney was quick to highlight that positive: “Knowing you’ve a home game in a place like Thomond Park is quite consoling.”

Meanwhile, Leinster’s hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals also look intrinsically tied up in their back-to-back clashes in December. Northampton, who have recruited George North, Alex Corbisiero and Kahn Fotuali’i this summer, will provide a stern test. Leinster’s new coach Matt O’Connor has been presented with a difficult first pool game with a visit to the Ospreys.

A week later, the three-time champions host last season’s Top 14 winners Castres.

The Aviva Stadium is the venue for the second leg of Leinster’s double-header with the Saints and the clash benefits from a 6pm start on what will be another thrilling evening in the capital. In January, O’Connor’s charges face a trek to Castres before ending the pool stages by hosting the Ospreys.

Ulster’s opening two fixtures could be decisive in Pool 5. Mark Anscombe’s team start their campaign with a clash against Leicester at Ravenhill before travelling to Montpellier the following week. Fabien Galthie has added international quality to his squad over the summer with the likes of Rene Ranger and Jim Hamilton.

A more suitable scenario would have been visiting France in January, when Montpellier’s focus may have shifted to the Top 14.