Earlier today, after a smooth two and and half hour flight that saw the Jet2 Charter rise above the grey drizzle of south west Ireland and land in brilliant sunshine in south east France, the Munster squad departed Marseille Airport for their hotel located 20 minutes from the match venue.
Once checked into the
Dolce Fregate Provence Hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, they set off for Toulon and the usual walk about the Stade Mayol, situated right in the heart of the city, the largest naval base in France, and it would seem, home to every cruise ship in southern France.
Ronan O'Gara and Paul Warwick used their time to get in some kicking practice, Warwick afterwards conceding that, "they count for nothing tonight", in reference to a succession of post splitting efforts although both seemed happy with the exercise.
Match day begins with breakfast at 8.30am and the squad leave the hotel at 2.15.
Munster: P Warwick; D Howlett, K Earls, S Tuitupou, J Murphy; R O'Gara, P Stringer; W du Preez, D Varley, J Hayes; D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell; J Coughlan, D Wallace, D Leamy capt. Replacements: M Sherry, D Hurley, T Buckley, M O'Driscoll, D Ryan, N Ronan, T O'Leary, L Mafi.
