LOWDOWN ON: TOULON

HOW YOU BEAT THEM...

Precision and passion. Execution in the tackle area must marry discipline with destructive intent in order to starve the opponents of possession.

Aggressive line-speed must also be deployed to ensure the collision zone is on their defensive terms of engagement, not behind the gainline, where off-loads and forward momentum can cause damage.

When Munster are on the ball, they must play in the right areas and adopt a cup-rugby approach, extracting scores from every visit to the 22 and creating scoreboard pressure.

The kicking game is likely to be a primary feature of the game-plan but they cannot afford to permit such an attacking platform to Toulon as happened in the early minutes of the game against Scarlets.

Control at half-back is key; Conor Murray can emerge as the game’s most influential figure, dove-tailing with the increasingly assured Ian Keatley.

Set-piece accuracy is also vital and, it goes without saying, a penalty count in single digits is also crucial.

HOW THEY BEAT YOU

Power and pace. Toulon will seek to bully Munster and unleash their devastating back-line which is rich in scoring promise.

They will hope to dominate possession, win the gain-line at collision time, and enjoy a territorial dominance that will wear down their opponents.

Toulon have made the most metres in the competition to date – in contrast, Munster the fewest – and they have also beaten the most defenders, chiefly through Josua Tuivosa and Facundo Isa (left). They also boast the most rucks and carries in the competition and are particularly capable of winning opposition ball in the breakdown.

HEAD COACH

Fabien Galthie

KEYTHREAT

Mathieu Bastareaud

ODDS

Munster 10/11 (-3) Draw 25/1 (-3) Toulon 10/11 (+3)

TVTIME

Sky Sports Arena/Action, Coverage 2.55, KO: 3.15