Defending champions Munster have qualified for the final eight but need to avoid defeat to Leicester Tigers in this weekend’s showdown to top the Pool.

Leicester are still in the last eight shake up if they can get a bonus point or more.


And if history is a good guide, that is the most they can hope for. Munster may have looked shaky in Geneva last weekend, but Thomond Park is their fortress, and an unbeaten Heineken record there proves it.


The Round 1 match between these sides was one of the games of the season so far, with Munster sneaking it 21-19 with a 79th minute Ronan O’Gara penalty goal.

Leicester Tigers head coach Pat Howard has kept faith with the 22 that beat Cardiff Blues last weekend as the club prepares to face European champions Munster on Saturday night (kick-off 5.35pm). Howard makes only one change from the 34-0 victory, with Julian White replacing Marcos Ayerza at tight-head prop.

Ayerza drops to the replacements bench, where he is joined by the six other substitutes who played their part against the Blues at Welford Road.

Geordan Murphy continues at full back, with Seru Rabeni and Alesana Tuilagi retainng their places on the wings. Ian Humphreys and Harry Ellis are again named at half-back, with Andy Goode unavailable due to injury.