Match Preview | Munster

Last weekend’s
postponed fixture against the Dragons saw the Warriors enjoy a bye week
following defeat to Ulster a fortnight ago, with the squad putting in the hard
yards on the pitch at Scotstoun during the last two weeks.

With both of
last season’s meetings with Munster having fallen victim to the COVID-19-enforced
suspension of the Guinness PRO14, Monday night’s fixture will be Glasgow’s
first clash with the Irish province since 2018.

Perennial
contenders at the business end of the season, the men in red always provide one
of the toughest examinations of the season whenever they pitch up at Scotstoun.

Here’s how Munster
are shaping up ahead of Monday night’s encounter:

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Munster
form guide

Johann van
Graan’s side currently sit top of Guinness PRO14 Conference B, with a perfect
five wins from their five matches so far this campaign.

A last-gasp
penalty from Ben Healy saw Munster sneak a 30-27 victory away to the Scarlets
in round one, before another late show saw them edge a 25-23 win over Edinburgh
in their first home match of the new season.

A five-try
showing in the first-ever Monday night Guinness PRO14 fixture earned Munster a
38-27 win over Cardiff Blues in round three, with further victories over the
Dragons and the Ospreys sending the province to Scotstoun in rude health.

Summer
departures

The COVID-19-enforced
suspension of the Guinness PRO14 saw Munster say farewell to a few established
figures over the summer months, including a host of young Irish talents.

Sammy Arnold
and Conor Oliver both made the switch to provincial rivals Connacht for the new
campaign, with winger Alex Wootton also moving to The Sportsground on a
season-long loan.

South African
back-rower Arno Botha also departed Thomond Park in the off-season, returning
home to join the Bulls.

New
arrivals

Two World Cup
winners were the headline-makers in Munster’s summer recruitment, as van Graan’s
squad drew envious glances from across the Guinness PRO14.

RG Snyman
and Damian de Allende both made their debuts for the men in red when rugby
resumed in August; whilst Snyman’s debut was cut short by injury, de Allende
has been an influential figure in the early stages of the season.

Promising
Irish-qualified back Matt Gallagher also arrived at Thomond Park in the summer,
making the move from English side Saracens.

Ones to watch

South African
centre de Allende has certainly lived up to his billing as world-class so far
this campaign, providing a dynamic threat in the Munster midfield. His carrying
and offloading ability has seen him create numerous opportunities for his
team-mates, as well as offering a robust presence in defence.

A hat-trick against
the Ospreys propelled Gavin Coombes to league-wide attention last time out,
with the flanker catching the eye of observers across the Guinness PRO14.
Having learned from Ireland and British and Irish Lions back-rower CJ Stander,
hopes are high that Coombes can become his long-term heir in Munster colours.

Another
whose early season exploits have caught the attention of those around the
Guinness PRO14, Healy looks to be the next prospect to watch in the Munster
fly-half jersey. Assured from the tee and when kicking from hand, his
performances have been a big part of Munster’s early season success.

Previous
Encounters

The Warriors
have had to wait two years for a chance to redress the balance from their most
recent encounter with Munster, having succumbed to a last-gasp 25-24 defeat at
Thomond Park in October 2018.

George Horne
scored two of Glasgow’s four tries in Limerick, only for Rory Scannell to hit
the mark with a penalty from halfway with the clock in the red to secure the
victory for Munster.

It was a
happier tale for the Warrior Nation on Munster’s last visit to Scotstoun, as
their side roared to a 25-10 win over the men in red.

Stuart Hogg,
Callum Gibbins and Adam Ashe all crossed the whitewash on that evening in
September 2018, with Adam Hastings contributing 10 points with the boot.

Match
officials

Adam Jones
will take charge of Monday night’s encounter, as the Welshman referees his
fifth match in the Guinness PRO14.

Ben Blain
and Fin Brown will be on the touchlines as his assistants, with Sam Grove-White
on hand as the TMO.

Broadcast
Information

Supporters
can watch the match live on Premier Sports 1 on Monday night, with kick-off
scheduled for 8.15pm.

You can also
listen to live commentary on BBC Radio Scotland MW, as well as following all
the action as it happens with our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.