MUNSTER v TOULON, THOMOND PARK, TODAY 3.15PM This is why we play the game of rugby

VAN GRAAN EXCITED TO BE PART OF ‘HUGE’ TIE

MUNSTER’S 50-50 injury fears have gone their way as Johann van Graan’s side seek to reach a 13th Champions Cup semifinal today.

Both clubs warmed up with wins over the champs in their respective leagues but Toulon’s 49-0 victory over Clermont raised a few more eyebrows than the Reds’ 12-point success margin over Scarlets.

But for the first time in two months coach van Graan has been able to pick his strongest available team.

Munster will fancy a fourth straight quarterfinal win over French oppostion with home advantage.

Simon Zebo and Andrew Conway’s return is also a massive plus for a weakened backline while Rory Scannell has come through HIA tests.

Alongside Sam Arnold he will seek to silence Mathieu Bastareaud and Ma’a Nonu.

But they weigh 36kg less than their opponents and have 145 Test caps fewer. Van Graan admitted: “You’ve got to pick your fights. Just in terms of the laws of physics they’re bigger than us so you need to find ways to outmanoeuvre them in certain areas. This is a collision game, you need to win them. You’ve also got use your fitness and move them around.”

Without Tommy O’donnell and Chris Cloete due to injury on the openside, Jack O’donoghue’s experience as a No7 sees him start ahead of Robin Copeland.

He will be partnered by Ireland duo Peter O’mahony and CJ Stander and their battle with Raphael Lakafia, Facundo Isa and Duane Vermeulen will go a long way to deciding the eventual winners.

A sold out Thomond Park will surely create an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors and van Graan is excited to experience the biggest European days.

He added: “You want to be part of huge games. I was part of a World Cup semi-final, it was big, Super Rugby finals, but this is huge.

“This is knockout rugby now, this is why you coach and this is why you’re part of rugby – for days like Saturday.”