Van Graan’s complacency warning for Zebre visit

Munster return to Thomond Park tonight in search of the performance that will get them back to winning ways, but with boss Johann van Graan reminding them they cannot afford to assume Zebre will present them with the opportunity to do so. A home game against a side without a victory in the Guinness PRO14 since late October appears to be the perfect scenario for Munster to get back on the horse after being unsaddled by Scarlets three weeks ago in a frustrating 10-6 defeat that was their first in eight games.

The Llanelli loss allowed Conference A rivals Glasgow Warriors to regain top spot with four regular-season games remaining and Munster must claw back three points on the leaders if they are to secure a home semi-final in the post-season play-offs. Though Zebre’s poor form and record this season keeps them rooted to the foot of the conference with the worst points total, 18, of any team in the league, Munster’s head coach sees potential pitfalls for his side if they are in any way complacent in Limerick tonight.