Munster aim for a repeat performance

Munster can push the French champions Perpignan closer to Heineken Cup elimination today and underline their own credentials for a possible third European title. Munster head to Stade Aime Giral fresh from a tense 24-23 victory over the same French side eight days ago, which left them top of Pool One with their hosts four points adrift in third. But the Irish side are not taking the challenge lightly against a team who have won their last 16 games on home soil.

Munster full-back Paul Warwick said: "It is always important to have a strong start playing over in France. "But we know pretty much what to expect and we are well-used to the large and noisy French crowds. You have to hang in there and focus on getting a winning result. "This group is very even, and I can see it all coming down to the last games next month." Munster were indebted to the nerveless kicking of their fly-half Ronan O'Gara last time out. He booted all their points to thwart a Perpignan side that scored three unanswered tries.

"We showed a huge amount of courage to come back after their late try, and Ronan's kicking was just outstanding. He showed his true class," Warwick added. "Our forwards did a great job at Thomond Park in a match that was all about field position with a lot of points coming from mistakes. "So, if we can cut out those simple errors and play in the right field positions again, hopefully we can go for the victory."

Today's other games see Gloucester take on Glasgow in Pool Two with both sides knowing a defeat will almost certainly end their hopes of reaching the knockout stages, while Sale Sharks, buoyed by a bonus-point win at Harlequins last Sunday, will retain strong quarter-final hopes from Pool Five if they can triumph in their re-match at Edgeley Park. * With agencies