A victory could provide Munster with further European action this season via the Amlin Challange Cup and Denis Hurley is looking to the positives “The season is far from over for Munster and it’s not all doom and gloom, we still have an opportunity to make it into the quarter finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup, and we’re top of the Magners League.”

“If there is silverware, we’re definitely interested! It’s still European rugby, there’s some quality teams left in it and to have extra games at a European level is very important for us.”

On the injury front there is good news with Marcus Horan taking part in his first full week of training after recovering from a broken bone in his wrist, and he is hopeful of getting some upcoming game time with his clubside Shannon.

Jerry Flannery who is two weeks into a six week calf injury was named in Ireland’s Six Nations squad today and moves into the Irish camp at the start of next week where he will be monitored by their medical team.

Alan Quinlan is three weeks into his recovery from a dislocated elbow, and management are hopeful he will get some game time come the Magners League Treviso game in mid-February.

Barry Murphy, who retired early from the B&I Cup game against Nottingham with a foot injury, underwent a scan yesterday evening and is now waiting on the results of same.