Table talk: Why Rassie Erasmus isn’t focusing on pool permutations

Rassie Erasmus will spend the next 48 hours discussing the shape of his squad for next season and considering how to negotiate the rest of a current campaign that sees Munster in a strong position in Europe and the league.

The province arrived home from Leicester with a losing bonus point that keeps them just two points behind Glasgow Warriors in Champions Cup Pool 1 having played a game less than their Guinness Pro12 rivals.

Munster play Racing 92 home and away in January either side of a trip to Scotstoun. But, before that, the league leaders have derbies with Leinster on St Stephen’s Day at Thomond Park and Connacht in Galway New Year’s Eve.