No respite for unbeaten Munster
Munster were the first team to qualify for the 2011 European Cup quarterfinals – but they still have unfinished Pool One business to attend to when they clash with Northampton Saints at stadium:mk on Saturday in the sixth and final round of group games.
The 2006 and 2008 champions of Europe are the only club to have made it five wins from five so far this campaign but there is still the important matter of trying to make sure that, whoever they play in the last eight in April, it will be at their Thomond Park fortress.
“This is a big one for us because, although we have qualified for the knock-out stages, we have not yet got the home quarterfinal we want,” said fullback Denis Hurley.
“We have to go to Northampton to get the win and a home quarterfinal because playing at home is massively important for both our players and fans.
“And the Saints and ourselves know each other pretty well after playing three matches in the 2009/10 Heineken Cup – there is always great competition between what are two very good sides.
“They may not be able to qualify for the quarterfinals but we know they will come out fighting because they are a very proud club and there were only two points in it when we won at Thomond Park in Round One.
“There has been some talk of us not playing well but still winning but I feel we have stood tall against all the teams we have played against and, at the end of it, winning games is the most important thing.
“We are in this strong position because we have won all five of our group games and when we click we are a very dangerous side.
“It means we have qualified for the Heineken Cup quarterfinals for the 13th time and that is a great record because we take enormous pride in our game.”
Hurley could find himself going head-to-head with England star Ben Foden, who has been in outstanding form at No 15 for the Saints this season.
“Ben is in great form at the moment and it would be great to play against someone of his talents and really test myself,” added Hurley.
“However, we are two completely different players and my focus will be entirely on making sure I do the basics right and, hopefully, that our back three can get across the gain line and test their defence.
“At the same time, our aim will be not to give them the space and room to attack us because we know just how dangerous they can be given that time and space.”
