Treviso To Test Munster
10th September 2014 By Munster Rugby
Munster will look to return to winning ways when they travel to Benetton Treviso for Round 2 of the 2014/15 Guinness PRO12 on Friday night, KO 7pm (Irish time).
Munster have not begun a season with a pair of losses since of 2004/05 but know a big improvement is required on last weekend’s 13-14 loss to Edinburgh Rugby if they are to get a result on Italian soil. Despite tries from Keith Earls and Stephen Archer, and a penalty try last time out at the Stadio Monigo, the Munstermen still went down 23-19. In fact, the province will be looking to prevent three consecutive away losses to Treviso having also lost 34-10 in season 12/13.
Add to this that the Italians will be keen to avenge four straight Guinness PRO12 defeats and they represent extremely tough opposition for Anthony Foley’s travelling men.
Speaking after training on Monday, the aforementioned Archer knows Munster have a lot to prove this weekend.
“Some might use the fact that last weekend was our first game as an excuse, but we most certainly don’t. We pride ourselves on our home form and to lose at home is not our standard.
“We pride ourselves on our set-piece and intensity, and last Friday we’re weren’t at the races. It’s good to have the opportunity to rectify that this weekend.
“Treviso are massively competitive and physical so no question we need to be at our best against them. With any Italian side, up front is where it’s going to be won and lost, and I know myself from playing in Italy that Italian sides are a different animal at home. They really raise their game over there and we’ll have our work cut out for us if we are to get a result.
“The last two years running we’ve failed to get a result out there (Treviso) which is disappointing, especially last year where we led by 10 points early in the second half and ill-discipline cost us – with three yellow cards allowing them back into the game.
“Good discipline is one of our main philosophies – not to give away stupid penalties, especially when the opposition are under pressure. Not only did it happen against Treviso last year, but also against Edinburgh last Friday, and this is something we need to eradicate going forward.”
Benetton Treviso v Munster, Stadio Monigo – Guinness PRO12 Round 2, Friday September 12th. KO 7pm (Irish time).
