Munster must replicate Sarries tempo to nullify Saints firepower

A week on from their gritty victory in a Thomond Park arm-wrestle with Saracens, Munster must produce the same sort of physicality and accuracy.

Munster Rugby Squad Training at UL this week. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Northampton Franklin’s Gardens may be set up for a battle royale of running rugby in this decisive Champions Cup Pool 3 encounter on Saturday afternoon as Munster bid to wrest top spot and a home knockout draw from the grip of Northampton Saints.

A week on from their gritty victory in a Thomond Park arm-wrestle with Saracens, Munster's ability to match Saints’ impressive, expansive backline firepower on a chilly dry pitch in the East Midlands will rely on the same sort of physicality and accuracy that saw off more conservative English yeomanry in Limerick seven days earlier.