Match Preview | Munster [A]

It’s semifinals week in the BKT URC. Only four teams remain in the competition: Vodacom Bulls, Leinster, Munster, and Glasgow Warriors. We take on Munster to decide who goes through to the final of the URC 2023/24.

After defeating Ospreys last weekend, Munster welcome the Warriors to Thomond Park. Glasgow defeated the DHL Stormers 27-10 at Scotstoun after pulling away from the visitors in the final ten minutes. Tries from Henco Venter and Ross Thompson saw off the South African side, propelling Glasgow into this weekend.

Previous clashes between Munster and Glasgow have a history of tight battles in the United Rugby Championship. Saturday 15 June will surely be another one of the physical, intense battles both sets of fans will be anticipating.

Glasgow Warriors displayed a defensive masterclass in the quarterfinal. However, so did the DHL Stormers. Whenever Franco Smith’s men managed a line break within the second half of the match, the Stormers made sure the attack didn’t progress down the field. Centre field play in the first 40 minutes meant that the half-time score was 6-5 to Glasgow.

The Warriors showed their strength and fitness in the second half. Three tries from Sebastian Cancelliere, Henco Venter, and Ross Thompson saw off the visitors in the final quarter of the match.

Two wins at home in the last fortnight have provided Glasgow the foundation to disrupt Munster’s home advantage this weekend.

The Warriors won on their most recent visit to Thomond Park, 38-26 in March 2023, their first victory at the venue since 2014. Furthermore, Glasgow have played in nine previous Championship semifinals, winning three, with all three victories being in their last five fixtures at that stage.

Despite losing out to Munster in the 2022/23 URC quarterfinal, Glasgow’s sight is set firmly on progressing to the final stage of the competition.

OPPOSITION LOWDOWN

Last year’s URC Champions have shown why they finished top of the league this season. Munster have won their last ten BKT United Rugby Championship matches since Connacht beat them in Galway on New Year’s Day, their best run since 2011.

Munster have played in twelve previous Championship semifinals, winning six and losing six. They certainly have threats all around the park, both in set piece play and out in the backs, utilising wide channel play.

Ireland internationals populate Munster’s squad. This includes Jack Crowley who has replaced Johnny Sexton as Ireland’s starting fly-half. Other Irish internationals representing Munster include Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony.

Yet, Glasgow Warriors have their own fair share of international superstars. The contest will certainly be an exciting one.

Although Munster have the more favourable winning record heading into this weekend, the battle between the Irish and Scottish sides will inevitably be tight.