Hodnett hoping South African experience will stand to Munster

They are on the Highveld for the next couple of weeks playing the Bulls and the Lions.

FAMILIAR SURROUNDINGS: RG Snyman, Tadhg Beirne, Niall Scannell and John Hodnett. Pic: Steve Haag Sports, Christiaan Kotze, Inpho

Munster flanker John Hodnett is hoping the experience of playing in difficult conditions several times in South Africa last season will give them a platform as they head into two crunch URC games.

Munster had to make three trips to South Africa in the closing stages of the season a year ago for league and Champions Cup duty but it was worthwhile in the end when they ended their trophy famine of over a decade with victory over holders the Stormers in the URC final.