Peter O'Mahony 'in the mix' for Munster's Champions Cup clash with Saracens

O'Mahony has been out injured since the defeat to Castres last month. 

RETURNING: Peter O'Mahony of Munster is tackled by Jack Goodhue of Castres Olympique during the Champions Cup Pool 3 match at Stade Pierre Fabre. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Munster are confident Peter O’Mahony is on track to face Saracens in their must-win Champions Cup pool game at Thomond Park on Saturday.

The under-pressure province need a win in their final home pool game to give themselves the best chance of a favourable seeding for the Round of 16 draw when the European competition moves into its knockout stage in April and with a difficult trip to Premiership champions Northampton Saints in their last group tie seven days later, a victory over their old English rivals in front of a big home crowd represents the best chance of advancing their claims for progress.

Munster have already added a fit-again quartet of Diarmuid Barron, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Conor Murray and Jack O’Donoghue to their selection mix but are awaiting a definitive ruling on back-rower O’Mahony’s readiness to return from a calf contusion the former captain sustained in the round two defeat at Castres on December 13.

Attack coach Mike Prendergast on Tuesday suggested Ireland Test centurion O’Mahony was close to a welcome return for Munster, currently third in Pool 3 with six points as they prepare to face unbeaten second-placed side Saracens, four points ahead on the table.

“He's in the mix at the moment,” Prendergast said of O’Mahony. “We'll know more come Thursday, but as of now he's tracking along. We'll make that call on Thursday to see if he'll be able to tog out or not.” 

As to the expected comebacks of hooker Barron (shoulder), wing Kilgallen (wrist), scrum-half Murray (elbow) and back-rower O’Donoghue (shoulder), the attack coach said: “A welcome return for a couple of players, good experienced players on top of that, and that will strengthen us up for the weekend.

“We obviously have a few bits and pieces to get through before Saturday, but all tracking in the right direction.

“It's a huge game. You're playing a team full of quality, they showed that last week against a good Bristol team. They're third in the Premiership which is an incredibly competitive competition this year. You need to be on your game in that competition and they look like they are.

“It's a big challenge, it's one we're thoroughly looking forward to. Having the week off after (losing 28-7 at home to) Leinster, you reflect a bit.

“The best place you can play is Thomond Park on a Saturday afternoon at half five, against a team like Saracens - Munster and Saracens go back a few years. If that can't whet your appetite, I don't know what can.” 

Prendergast, a candidate to replace the departed Graham Rowntree as the next permanent head coach, has asked his players to show a more clinical, killer instinct from five metres out following a series of frustrating matches when Munster have failed to capitalise on the try-scoring opportunities they have created.

Those traits were in evidence last time out at Thomond Park against arch enemies Leinster on December 27 yet he said a switch of competition from the URC to the Champions Cup has brought a positive impact to bear on preparations.

“There's that excitement, we came back into training last Thursday, we spoke about our performance against Leinster, the good parts and the parts that need to be improved. Then we came in Monday and straight into thinking about Saracens and what we need to do there.

“Straight away the energy was there on Monday, we know how big this week is, it's a massive week. I know it's a cliche, but it's where you want to be.

“We know the challenge that's ahead of us, and we have a couple of players back as well which is always good to have. You need that experience in these types of games. They have plenty of it on their side, so it's a hugely exciting week for us.”