Munster well aware of Perpignan threat

Munster can push reigning French champions Perpignan to the brink of Heineken Cup elimination tomorrow – and underline their own credentials for a possible third European title.

Tony McGahan's men head to Stade Aime Giral, fresh from a tense 24-23 victory over Perpignan eight days ago.

But they will be acutely aware of Perpignan’s Heineken home record that just shows just two defeats from 29 games and 16 successive victories.

“It is always important to have a strong start playing over in France,” said Munster full-back Paul Warwick.

“But we know pretty much what to expect and we are well-used to the large and noisy French crowds. You have to hang in there and focus on getting a winning result.

“This group (Pool One) is very even, and I can see it all coming down to the last games next month.”

Munster were indebted to the nerveless kicking of fly-half Ronan O’Gara last time out, who booted all their points and thwarted a Perpignan side that scored three unanswered tries.

Warwick added: “We showed a huge amount of courage to come back after their late try, and Ronan’s kicking was just outstanding. He showed his true class.

“Our forwards did a great job at Thomond Park in a match that was all about field position with a lot of points coming from mistakes.

“So, if we can cut out those simple errors and play in the right field positions again, hopefully we can go for the victory.”

Bryan Redpath admits Gloucester are hurting as they prepare to resume Heineken Cup action.

Only two clubs – Brive and Viadana – of the 24 teams in this season’s competition have conceded more points than Gloucester, who are currently propping up Pool Two.

And if they lose tomorrow’s Kingsholm clash against Glasgow – nine days after being beaten 33-11 by the same opponents – then any remote hope of a quarter-final spot will disappear without a trace.

“I was disappointed with last Friday, of that there is no question,” said Gloucester head coach Redpath.

“But I would never take anything away from Glasgow. They took their opportunities, so credit to them.

“We are back at home now, and that’s key for us. We’ve got to get a reaction.

“We were hurting after that game last Friday, and quite rightly so. We’ve lost too many (games), and we are not happy about it.”

Redpath has reacted to the defeat at Firhill by making six changes for the return fixture.

Full-back Olly Morgan, wing Tom Voyce and centre Tim Molenaar all feature, together with prop Paul Doran-Jones, flanker Akapusi Qera and number eight Gareth Delve, who captains the team.

Sale Sharks, buoyant after a bonus point win at Harlequins last Sunday, will retain strong quarter-final hopes from Pool Five if they triumph against Quins at Edgeley Park tomorrow.

“We came away from the Twickenham Stoop with a bonus point win against a good side who love to attack you,” said Sale rugby director Kingsley Jones.

“In the first-half last week we did a lot of things right, but let our discipline slip after the restart and spent much of the second-half defending our own line.

“However, I must say that our defensive line late in the game was magnificent.”

Quins, out of contention following three defeats, rest their England scrum-half Danny Care this week after banning him ahead of the first Sale encounter, so Karl Dickson continues in the number nine shirt.

In the Amlin Challenge Cup tomorrow, Leeds Carnegie will continue to contest a quarter-final place if they beat Romanian visitors Bucuresti.