Munster ready to get physical, warns JJ

RABO DIRECT PRO12: Munster v Glasgow Warriors

After helping his Munster side batter European aristocrats Toulouse into submission at Thomond Park last weekend, Hanrahan has thrown down the gauntlet to the champions by stating: “We’re not going to be a pushover.”

Hanrahan has turned focus to Glasgow and Munster’s Pro12 ambitions this weekend but admits work would already be going on behind the scenes to try and deal with Toulon’s big men down the line.

Hanrahan is aware Munster will have to be at their very best to cope with the physicality of Mathieu Bastareaud and Steffon Armitage, but says Munster’s thrilling victory over Toulouse was proof of the squad’s potential.

“Toulon were brilliant weren’t they? They’re a powerhouse side. They have some really big men. I thought the Armitages were unbelievable. I thought Bastareaud was great so we’ll have to deal with him and others.”

“We did our analysis (against Toulouse) and Rob (Penney) pointed out where they were vulnerable.

“If we played to our shape and stuck to our shape we could get at them, and we did.

“Our backs were striking well also, which really put us on the front foot. When you’re getting front foot ball, it’s quick and it’s easy.

“The set piece is a big part of our game at Munster and once you strike well off set piece, it’s a good platform to get into your broken play.”