Leicester's Jordan Crane ready for a big night at Thomond

Leicester’s week began with a history lesson from Geordan Murphy.

The former Ireland full-back told the squad what it felt like to play at Thomond Park, how to deal with the roar from the stands and what it means to win there and inflict a home defeat on Munster.

He talked about Leicester’s famous win at Thomond in 2007, when they inflicted Munster’s first home defeat in the final game before the builders moved in to make it into the modern arena it is today.

There were two men who did not need telling. The first was Richard Cockerill, the director of rugby who was forwards coach eight years ago. The second was Jordan Crane, the only member of Leicester’s current squad who was in the 23 back in 2007.

Crane is determined for history to repeat itself this weekend.

“That was one of my best memories,” smiles Crane. “It was one of the best atmospheres I have ever been involved in.

“We had to win to go through, they were unbeaten at Thomond and the stand was about to be knocked down. But we went about it the right way. We were so physical and dominated.

“It was a big night out as well — the locals looked after us even though we won!

“It is such an interesting place to go because of how proud and passionate the fans are. It will be a difficult game for us but hopefully we will have what it takes.

“We come from Welford Road, which is an iconic stadium in itself, but Thomond Park is up there and just as good. It is one of the great European grounds to play at, it really is.”

Leicester went on to reach the final of that year’s competition, and know another win at Thomond would be a statement of intent.

The club is starting to emerge from a difficult few years, with Monday’s news of new contracts for four players, including Manu Tuilagi and Ben Youngs, a sign of their progress.

They can think big again. So big, in fact, that Crane genuinely believes they can be crowned European champions for the first time since 2002.

“After the way we started and the position we put ourselves in you have to back yourselves,” said Crane with Leicester having taken maximum points from their opening two games.

“If we can get it right over the next two weeks we will be in with a shout of a quarter-final, if not a home quarter. After that everyone has a shot and you’re just three games from lifting the trophy. To re-sign those four guys is a massive step for us. In professional sport these days it isn’t all about money, it is about staying, being loyal and it is great to get them all signed.”

Leicester, in other words, are approaching this game in a far more positive frame of mind than Munster. Anthony Foley’s side have lost to both Connacht and Newport Gwent Dragons in the past fortnight but Crane is expecting a different European beast this weekend.

While Thomond can intimidate visitors, the forward believes it adds 10% to Munster’s game.

“With big European teams it doesn’t matter how you are doing in the league,” adds Crane.

“We experienced that last year. We weren’t doing great in the league but when Europe comes around there is a different atmosphere and edge.

“Munster will be the same. It brings something out of players, these big European weekends. That is especially true of the home games when the pride and passion of the fans comes through you. It puts you up 10% and we know Munster will be extra competitive and physical.”