First Test For Foley’s Men

Get the pre-match stats as Munster prepare to welcome Benetton Treviso to Irish Independent Park in the opening round of the Guinness PRO12 this Saturday night at 7:45pm. Great value Family Packs (2 Adults & 2 Kids) are now available for just EUR30.

Beginning their campaign in Cork this season, Irish Independent Park has been a happy hunting ground for the southern province in recent years, remaining undefeated there since the visit of Cardiff Blues in January 2013. In total, the men in red have won their last nine home games in the PRO12, four of which have been in Cork.

Treviso travel north in search of their first victory over the Munster-men in almost two years (winning 29-19 on Italian soil). Since then, Treviso have continued to grow and were unlucky not to claim a number of scalps over the Irish provinces last season.

Were it not for a missed penalty in the dying minutes against Leinster last November, Treviso would have secured a famous win over the then reigning champions in the Stadio Monigo – 24-24 the full time score. A couple of months later and it was the Ulstermen who also came close to foundering in Italy. After racking up a 0-24 lead in the opening 30 minutes, Neil Doak's men did well to hang on for a four point victory after the hosts responded with 20 unanswered points.

Impressing while running in three tries against Anthony Foley’s charges last time out in April, Treviso closed out last season by securing Champions Cup qualification and this week prepare to face Munster in the first of four clashes this season. Pitted against the province in Pool 4 of competition, the Italians will also open their European campaign against Munster.

Looking ahead to a brand new season and his side's trip to Cork, Treviso captain Alberto De Marchi said, “Two wins in the preseason confirm that we are doing a good job and will be useful when preparing mentally for the first match against Munster. The goal this season is to do well, winning home games and trying to get as many points as possible abroad. Regarding the Champions Cup, participation is always important because it allows us to deal with the best teams in Europe."

Munster v Benetton Treviso, Guinness PRO12 Round 1, Saturday September 5^th – KO 7:45pm.

Be there to enjoy the fun and excitement both on and off the field and show your support for Axel's Army as they embark on a brand new season. Tickets from just €;15 for Adults and €;30 for Families (2 Adults & 2 Kids) are now on sale.

Tickets can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.

Meanwhile, tickets for Munster and Treviso’s Champions Cup clash are now on sale as part of 3 Match Packs. Click here for more.