Ulster can keep season alive against second string hosts

Munster head coach Johann van Graan has chosen a virtual second strength team for this evening’s Guinness PRO14 clash with Ulster at Thomond Park while his counterpart Jonno Gibbes goes into the game short two of his most valuable players, full-back Charles Piutau and scrum-half John Cooney. 

However, both men insist they are treating the encounter with all seriousness even if the result is of far greater significance to the visitors.

Munster have already qualified for next week’s playoff but the importance of restoring morale after Sunday’s defeat by Racing 92 coupled with the traditional desire to come out on top in Irish derbies has not been lost on van Graan.