Write Munster off at your peril

By Daniel Pitcher

Rob Penney and Munster are gearing up for what is a make-or-break game today against Harlequins in the Heineken Cup quarter-final.

Many say that, if Munster somehow come away with victory and progress to the semi-finals, it would be part two of the ‘Miracle Match’.

It was 10 years ago when Munster went to battle against Gloucester in Thomond Park, not only needing to win, not only needing to win by 27 points, but to score four tries in the process to progress in the competition. That’s exactly what happened.

This weekend, there is no need for a bonus point, all Munster need to do is win, by any margin.

A month ago, the average punter would have said that Conor O’Shea’s men would be far too strong for this Munster side in ‘transition’ but things have changed.

Both sides come into this one having lost last week.

Munster were beaten well 52-24 in Glasgow in the Pro 12, ending hopes of a play-off for sure, while Quins on the other hand got off much lighter, only losing 17-15 to Gloucester.

However that was a second loss on the bounce which now sees the Londoners third in the Aviva Premiership table.

After Munster’s heavy defeat, you would be forgiven for thinking they are dead and buried for the season, but write them off at your peril.

Simon Zebo, who scored a crucial hat-trick of tries against Racing Metro in Thomond Park, makes a very timely return from his foot injury sustained in the Six Nations game against England.

Through history and tradition, the Heineken Cup brings a different type of Munster, hungry, ambitious and passionate. Munster will not lie down, you can be assured of that.

I may be accused of looking too far ahead, but I disagree, the reward for either side will be a semi- final spot against either Montpellier or Clermont.

At the beginning of the season, my overall winner was Clermont and I correctly predicted the outcomes in both games against Leinster and my prediction that they would top their pool.

Montpellier might be dreaming of a home semi, but I am sticking to my guns and no matter the outcome in London, whether it be Quins or Munster, that will be the end of the line.