Cool heads and ruthless hearts key for Munster rugby

The big guns are back from Ireland duty, Thomond Park is a sell-out and Munster fans are finally getting the Saturday evening European blockbuster they have craved.

Now all head coach Anthony Foley requires are the cool heads, ruthless hearts and the white-hot atmosphere it will take to add ASM Clermont Auvergne to their long list of French victims in their Limerick stronghold.

The atmosphere should never be taken for granted but after the passion the supporters have continued to show at less agreeable kick-off times, against Toulouse on a Sunday lunchtime last April and Saracens on a Friday night this season, it is the one factor in that checklist that Munster can rely on.