The fifth-placed Lions will be doing all they can not to fall out of the URC playoff dogfight when they face Munster at Thomond Park in the final round on Saturday.
To Win
Munster | Draw | Lions
Handicap
Munster | Lions
Match context
The Pride’s comprehensive 31-7 defeat at Leinster in Round 17 saw them surrender their spot in the top four and another loss here could spell huge trouble as the franchise continues its quarterfinal qualification quest.
The side were simply no match for the defending champions, and the manner of that result was made even more devastating with the news that back five forward Ruan Venter has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. The 23-year-old is one of the Lions’ star men, and his absence will be keenly felt in what coach Ivan van Rooyen has described as a ‘must-win’ clash.
Given the Joburgers were on a six-game winning run in the competition ahead of that Leinster tie, the test for them now will be to recompose themselves as quickly as possible as they attempt a first win at Thomond Park.
Munster are one place and two points off the Lions, with victory ensuring they leapfrog them on the log. With ninth-placed Connacht just four points off the visitors, a slip-up could spell the end of their hopes at featuring in the playoffs for the very first time.
Meanwhile, the Red Army were downed 26-7 at bitter foes Connacht last week to pile more pressure on Clayton McMillan and his troops, who are in an even more vulnerable position heading into the weekend. The good news for them will be the expected return of Ireland flyhalf Jack Crowley, who missed their last two games through injury, while their three from four record against the Lions in the URC is also cause for optimism.
Van Rooyen’s team have had a tremendous season, winning the SA Shield for the first time and are now just one game away from securing a coveted spot in the last eight, as well as next season’s European Rugby Champions Cup. It will take a Herculean effort to topple Munster at home, but this group of players has proven have what it takes and are likely to have the support of most SA rugby fans behind them this weekend.
Players to watch
Jack Crowley (Munster)
There’s only one place to go for Munster, and while it’s unclear at the time of writing whether Crowley will start or bench this clash, his influence on proceedings will have a direct impact on the fortunes of his team. His experience, quality and knowledge of the Limerick conditions has the potential to make it a long evening for the Lions, who will look to shut down his time and space as much as possible.
Morne van den Berg (Lions)
If there is one player who can truly put the Lions in a winning position, it’s the 28-year-old Springbok scrumhalf. When provided with enough front-foot ball by his forwards, van den Berg’s expert decision-making and accurate kicking execution can shape a game — as he proved against the Sharks earlier this season — and if ever his team needed a big performance from him, it’s this weekend.
Tactical overview
A big focus for the Lions this week will be starting and finishing the game well after conceding a try in the first-minute in against Leinster before letting in a further three in the final 10. A similar performance here will see them fall well short.
Munster were done no favours in their loss at Connacht by the 20-minmute red card shown to hooker Diarmuid Barron, but even then their performance was well off what was needed, as they allowed the Westerners to outscore them four tries to one.
That defeat was a hammer blow to the side’s chances at finishing in the top four, and they’ll now have to channel that frustration into a less error-prone outing in front of their supporters.
Given how Munster have played at home this season, they should be able to rouse themselves in the face of the attacking threats of the Lions’ strike runners and see out the win.
Prediction
The Lions won’t go down without a fight, but Munster is a tough cookie at home. Get on the hosts to take it on the board.
