Solomons keen on Amlin slot — and Munster scalp

As if Munster needed reminding they have a game on their hands in their final Heineken Cup game on Sunday, Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons has stressed just how important an away victory at Thomond Park would be for the Scottish side.

It is not only Munster gunning for a bonus-point victory in Limerick this weekend as Rob Penney’s already-qualified side bid for a home quarter-final draw when the knockout stages get under way in April.

Edinburgh, too, thanks to back to back wins over Gloucester and Perpignan, respectively, are intent on playing European rugby beyond the pool stages and looking to secure a spot in the Amin Challenge Cup last eight.

With either Leicester or Ulster, who play each other at Welford Road on Saturday, and Saracens the most likely teams to claim the two best runners-up spots in the Heineken Cup quarters, Edinburgh are battling with Northampton, Glasgow and Cardiff to claim one of three berths in the Amlin quarters.

Having missed out on a bonus point in their 27-16 Murrayfield defeat of Perpignan last Saturday, a victory at Thomond Park to claim a European double over Munster this season is the minimum requirement.

“They are disappointed that they didn’t get the bonus point,” Solomons said of his players’ reaction to victory over Perignan. “We did have opportunities. We had a lineout opportunity and scrum opportunity close to the line, and another in phase play when we knocked the ball on five metres out, so, yes, there is disappointment, but I don’t think that should mask what has been a fantastic performance.

“That was exactly the point I made to them in the huddle. It is positive that we now go (to Munster) with something to play for, but we always treat every game as a challenge. This will be an almighty challenge. They are a very good team, but I think the guys are looking forward to it. There is no trepidation about this team.”

Edinburgh hooker Ross Ford believes the positivity from beating the Catalans last weekend will outweigh any disappointment from missing out on a bonus point as they prepare for the trip to Ireland.

“It gives us good momentum going into next week,” Ford told the Scotsman. “We know we need to go out there and win but it will be a very tough game.”