Munster ready for crucial match

Editor

Ireland loose forward CJ Stander is expecting a big clash when Munster host Edinburgh in the PRO12 on Friday at Irish Independent Park.

South African-born Stander, who joined the Irish province in 2012, believes they are ready and switched on for this important game.

Munster are currently in seventh position, equal on points with Edinburgh, however with only one round of normal fixtures left in the PRO12 competition this game becomes an essential one for both side's European qualification hopes.

A win for the three-time champions will see them leap above the Murrayfield outfit into sixth position and a possible qualification spot for next season's Champions Cup.

"Edinburgh are going to come out looking to win the game, so we need to match that attitude," Stander told Munster's official website.

"They are ahead of us in the league. We want to be where they are.

"Everyone knows what is on the line for us this week and everyone is concentrated on Edinburgh."

Coming off a bye last week, the 26-year-old former Bulls player wants to return to winning ways after their 35-14 defeat against second positioned Connacht two weeks ago.

Stander admits they failed themselves against Connacht, but everyone knows what is expected for this vital encounter.

"We didn't have a game this weekend, so all the focus has been on ourselves as we know what's at stake in the next two games," he said.

"After the Connacht match, there was obviously disappointment, but the boys came back and they know they have a job to do this Friday night and it has all kicked on from there. The mistakes and the small things that have cost us, need to be fixed.

"Everyone is in training mode from here, almost final mode, as the next two games are finals for us. These games are everything to us for next year. It is pressure, but luckily, we know what we need to do.

"We know where we want to be this year and also next year. When you take things on as a group, you can spread the pressure."