Munster aiming to bounce back again on South African raid, says Tom Ahern

The southern province will aim to put last weekend's Croke Park defeat behind them.

CHANGE OF SCENERY: Tom Ahern during Munster Rugby squad training in Cape Town this week. Pic: INPHO/Steve Haag Sports

The jeopardy may not be quite so acute for Munster as they steel themselves once more for South African battles in Cape Town and Durban but as far as Tom Ahern is concerned, the mission remains the same as it was at the tail end of the last two URC campaigns.

Rounds five and six of the regular season against the Stormers and Sharks on successive Saturdays do not carry the same pressures as Munster’s two previous visits under head coach Graham Rowntree. Last season’s visit to the South African Highveld came in rounds 14 and 15 with the province running out of games to secure a home draw for the end of season play-offs but also looking for a response following a tame Champions Cup exit at Northampton Saints at the beginning of April. Rowntree got it with bonus-point victories over both the Bulls in Pretoria and the Lions in Johannesburg to climb into third place with three games to go, the trip’s success instrumental in helping Munster secure first place at the top of the standings.