Munster v Saracens Preview

Fortress Thomond
By saracensfan62
January 5 2025

Saracens head to Fortress Thomond on Saturday, 11th January 5.30pm KO in search of points that will surely confirm a home knockout RO16 for the Champions Cup.

This will be a tough challenge – there’s no doubt about it. The last time these two met was in December 2019, where Saracens ground out a tough 15-9 victory. The previous 8 encounters have led to 5 wins for Saracens and 3 for Munster, however only 1 of our five wins have come away at Fortress Thomond– the pool match in 2017, where we defeated the men in red by 16 points. Munster’s record at home is superb, with only three losses since January 2024. The passion of the home fans and noise will be sure to deliver a superb atmosphere. We will have to bear the conditions in mind as Thomond Park is extremely open and exposed to the elements so any wind or rain may cause problems for the side having to play into it. Nonetheless I’m sure MM and his team will take all this into account ahead of the weekend.

I am expecting our opposition to be full noise this weekend. While no game is inherently ‘more important’ for one team over another, Munster’s need for points to qualify adds extra intensity to this encounter. Currently, we sit 2^nd with 9 points while Munster are in 3^rd with 6 points. In terms of format, the top two teams in each pool secure home advantage in the RO16, with the high-ranked teams having home advantage in the QF and country advantage in the SF. 3^rd and 4^th from each pool will enter the RO16 but, based on how many points and points difference, will have away ties. Home knockouts, while not essential, are very useful to progress further in the competition.

Munster Rugby – A team in transition, but still dangerous.

It would be fair to say these two teams have had their ups and downs in recent years. Munster pulled off a dramatic URC final victory against all odds against the Stormers in South Africa in 2023. However, they were beaten finalists in the Pro12 in 2021, 2017 (where they fell to a quality Scarlets side), and 2015 (losing to Glasgow Warriors). Saracens have had their fair share of silverware – the premiership in 2018 and 2019, European Champions Cup in 2017 and 2019 but disappointment too, losing out narrowly to Leicester in 2022 and being soundly beaten by eventual winners Stade Rochelais in the QF of the 2022-23 champions cup.

Munster boast significant talent within their ranks. Stalwarts like Niall Scannell, Tadhg Beirne, Calvin Nash, Peter O’Mahony and Jack Crowley could all cause us problems this weekend coming. Whilst their season has not been perfect, for instance conceding the 2^nd most points (233 in 9 games, 26 on average per game) in the URC, they have shown what they are capable of, for instance the impressive victory against Stade Francais at home. They are a very good outfit and we will need to be on form to get a win or take some points away.

Saracens – Is this the year?

Now for Saracens. The impressive victory against Bristol gave a glimpse of what we are capable of. The developing partnership between Ivan van Zyl and Burke, combining creative playmaking with tactical precision, showed real promise and it seems the Kiwi has settled into life in Barnet very nicely indeed. While he has not been goal kicking in all matches, we have sound options from the boot with Elliot Daly and Alex Lozowski being called upon from the tee.

The scrum has caused us numerous issues in the last couple of seasons since the departure of Vincent Kock, Richard Barrington, and Mako Vunipola. However, it seems to have turned a corner recently. Signings Rhys Carre and Phil Brantingham seem to have given stability and strength, with us winning more penalties than conceding. We still have Eroni Mawi and Alec Clarey as options, both seasoned scrummagers and good ball-in-hand.
In the absence of Nick Isiekwe and Hugh Tizard, Harry Wilson has stepped up to the first XV and delivered. He’s impressed in both the Bath away game and the Bears home game. He seemed to add strength and ballast to the scrum and worked well with Itoje.

With Saracens finding form and Munster’s home dominance on display, fans can expect an intense and hard-fought battle at Thomond Park. The breakdown duel, featuring the likes of Earl, Willis, O’Mahony, and Beirne, could prove pivotal in deciding this encounter. Both teams are bringing determination and talent to the fore—this promises to be a match no rugby fan woluld want to miss.

My predicted Saracens team for the weekend (taking into account absences and injuries) is as follows:

Predicted Saracens Team

Rhys Carre
Jamie George
Marco Riccioni
Maro Itoje
Harry Wilson
Juan Martin-Gonzalez
Ben Earl
Tom Willis
Ivan Van-Zyl
Fergus Burke
Rotimi Segun
Nick Tompkins
Alex Lozowski
Lucio Cinti
Elliot Daly
Theo Dan
Phil Brantingham
Alec Clarey
Olamide Sodeke
Nathan Michelow
Gareth Simpson
Olly Hartley
Angus Hall

I expect to see a return for Theo Dan given his recent injury has been reported to not be a serious one. If I am wrong, Kapeli Pifeleti or James Isaacs may be in the 16 shirt.

Best wishes to all those sarries fans travelling out to Limerick and Thomond Park for the match. Hopefully travel etc will be smooth. See you out there, or if you are not going, enjoy watching on the TV!

Munster v Saracens Preview

Posted by: TheSaracens.com (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2025 16:09

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:01:23:13:39:51 by Darraghgirl.