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15th January 2015
11:44am GMT

Anything but a win at Allianz Park, on Saturday, will virtually put Munster out of Europe. Once again, they find themselves with their backs to the wall after the defeats to Clermont. They could get a draw then put a bonus point win on Sale - with Saracens away to Clermont on the final day - but that would leave them vulnerable for that best-runner-up slot. Munster are still a team capable of going away and producing great, one-off performances. They will need something similar this weekend.
If they can replicate the Thomond Park performance against Saracens, where they cut down their go-forward ball and kicked intelligently behind the likes of David Strettle and Chris Ashton, they have a chance. Of course, away from home, that is a massive ask. Saracens have a wealth of talent - big Billy Vunipola, Kelly Brown, Jacques Burger. Nullifying front-foot ball will be big task number one. Hopefully, getting James Cronin back in the front row will give use another weapon - the scrum.
CJ Stander has been outstanding for Munster this season. When he goes well, Munster generally goes well. That seems to be the way of it in Europe this season - all the top sides have Number 8s that are providing a lot of go-forward ball. Him playing well on Saturday is pivotal to Munster's chances.
JJ Hanrahan has come through well, at inside centre, in recent months so that lessens the loss of Andrew Smith. He adds to the team's attacking options as a second 10 but it will be interesting to see if Anthony Foley goes with him or a more defensive midfield pairing, for example Denis Hurley. Pat Howard has gone well. I was impressed with him against Zebre. He ran a switch-line with with Ian Keatley and still managed to show up on his outside shoulder, seconds later, for Felix Jones' try. That is an example of his work-rate and agility. You have Keith Earls back as an option - perhaps off the bench - in the middle or on either wing.
As for JJ's move to Northampton Saints, obviously wages came into it but, I feel, he has moved to progress his career. He has huge potential but Foley has gone with the experience of Keatley and JJ has made the call. Ronan O'Gara did not walk straight into the Munster team, when he started, but club rugby was bigger back then [the late 1990s] and he gained vital experience that way. He has gone to an extremely good Saints side and can only benefit from playing 10 alongside some very, very talented players.
Hopefully it can be like farming him out. Munster could get back a world-class out-half in a few years, but it will cost them a lot more money.
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