Van Graan banking on Munster's 16th man making the difference

While his Reds succumbed to Toulouse behind closed doors last year, the South African is confident his travelling army can tilt this tie their way

Putting a positive spin on it: Munster head coach Johann van Graan insists being displaced to Dublin this weekend can work in his side's favour. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Johann van Graan says Munster are “banking on” their supporters making a real difference as they face the massive challenge of a European quarter-final with defending champions Toulouse in Dublin on Saturday.

Ticket sales for the Aviva Stadium game have now gone through the 31,000 barrier, making light of the fact Thomond Park will be unavailable this weekend due to Ed Sheeran’s concerts there this week. Yet having been beaten 40-33 by Toulouse at a closed stadium in Limerick last season when they were drawn in the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16, Munster’s head coach is backing his players to be better equipped for the task ahead and the fans to tip the balance this time around.