Paul O’Connell chasing another European miracle

Paul O’Connell has rated Munster’s chances of reaching the Champions Cup quarter-finals as "slim" as they head into a must-win pool encounter at Saracens on Saturday in search of a 100th European victory.

Back-to-back defeats to Clermont Auvergne before Christmas have left the province third in Pool One with two rounds to go, the first of which sees Munster travel to London for a Saturday lunchtime appointment at a sold-out Allianz Park.

Anthony Foley’s team need victory to stay alive and then will likely require a bonus point win at home to Sale Sharks eight days later if they are to progress to a 15th top-flight quarter-final in 16 seasons.