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Andrew Conway celebrating his late try against RC Toulon in their Champions Cup quarter-final victory.
Munster Rugby will be eyeing up a tenth straight home Champions Cup success at Thomond Park when they host Gloucester Rugby in a Pool 2 clash, live on Channel 4, Virgin Media and BT Sport from 13:00 BST.
The Irish province drew 10-10 at Exeter Chiefs in Round 1 while Gloucester Rugby defeated Castres Olympique 19-14.
- Saturday will be the eighth meeting between Munster and Gloucester; the Irish province have won five of the previous seven including each of the last four.
- Gloucester have picked up two wins from their last three visits to Ireland in the tournament, beating Ulster and Connacht, but losing to Munster in the 2013/14 season.
- Gloucester are looking to win their opening two games of a European Cup campaign for the first time since 2007/08 when they went on to reach the quarter-final.
Johann van Graan and @peterom6 are not underestimating the challenge that @gloucesterrugby bring as @Munsterrugby prepare to face off in Round 2 🤜🤛
Who will come out on top at Thomond Park? #ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/7sF8gXAUGm
— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) October 17, 2018
- After drawing just one previous game (18-18 v Neath in October 1998) Munster have now opened their last two campaigns with a draw.
- Gloucester missed just six tackles in beating Castres in Round 1, no side missed fewer, and their 95% tackle success rate was the best of the 20 competing clubs.
- Munster stole five opposition lineouts in Round 1, two more than any other side managed over the opening weekend.
- Neither Danny Cipriani (5/5) nor Joey Carbery (2/2) missed a shot at goal in the opening round, Cipriani’s 14-point haul against Castres was the second most he has scored in 24 games against TOP 14 opponents in Europe (28 v Oyonnax in December 2013).
- Ben Morgan and Jake Polledri each beat six defenders in Round 1, no forward beat more (also Matt Fagerson of Glasgow Warriors).
After a brilliant victory over the French champions in Round 1, Johan Ackermann and Willi Heinz are pumped to travel to @Munsterrugby 🙌
How will @gloucesterrugby get on against last season's semi-finalists?#ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/4hZ9AfFipv
— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) October 17, 2018
Munster Rugby's Andrew Conway celebrates with Mike Haley and Joey Carbery
Munster Rugby ran in five tries as they defeated Gloucester Rugby 36-22 in a thrilling Heineken Champions Cup Pool 2 clash at Thomond Park.
Tom Savage was sent to the sin bin for foul play in the early stages and the Irish province took full advantage of the extra man as Tadhg Beirne launched a move with a powerful run, breaking a couple of Gloucester tackles.
Play was then spread wide through the hands and found Mike Haley who dotted down in the corner, but Joey Carbery – who won Heineken Man of the Match – pushed his conversion wide.
Danny Cipriani has been sent off 🔴
He knew straight away he was going to be shown red for this tackle.
He apologised on his way off but his week has gone from bad to worse… pic.twitter.com/XGga2MHz2P
— Watch the Heineken Champions Cup on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) October 20, 2018
Danny Cipriani kicked a penalty to cut the Munster lead but was sent off minutes later for foul play. Carbery punished the misdemeanour and slotted the resulting penalty through the posts.
A brilliant driving maul from Munster just before half time allowed Rhys Marshall to dive over for the second try of the afternoon, with the extra man helping the Irish province seize control of this match.
At the start of the second half, Darren Sweetnam found Joey Carbery who jinked between two Gloucester men and dived over at the posts for a third try.
Slick 😎
Munster run in try number four and it's beautiful!
What an off-load from Joey Carbery 😍 pic.twitter.com/Af8l7TWQvZ
— Watch the Heineken Champions Cup on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) October 20, 2018
Sam Arnold then brought up the bonus-point try for Munster after some superb running rugby but Gerbrandt Grobler hit back seconds later for Gloucester with a powerful drive over the line.
Carbery then set up the final Munster try for Andrew Conway with another beautiful pass, giving the latter the simple task of dotting down at the posts.
Two late tries from Gloucester’s Jason Woodward and Ben Morgan and two yellow cards for Munster gave the visitors a chance to secure two bonus points but they turned over and Munster kicked the ball dead to claim all five points.
The Irish province host Castres Olympique in Round 3 while Gloucester Rugby travel to face Exeter Chiefs.
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