Munster v Benetton TV times, streaming details & team news for URC clash tonight
The mantra of the week in Munster camp has been do or die and while there is a series of other results that could see the Reds sneak into the URC play-offs if they lose to Benetton, really the Reds have to do the business in their final regular season fixture.
First off, a defeat would almost certainly mean the end of their 2025/26 season ahead of the knock-outs, but the other consequence is the loss of their proud record of playing in the Champions Cup every year.
Last week's victory at Thomond Park was encouraging in that respect as they saw off an Ulster side that also needed a victory. But Benetton will be a step up if they can maintain the level displayed in their recent performances, in particular the victory over reigning champions Glasgow in Scotstoun last week.
Those two victories mean that the sides are virtually neck and neck heading into their finals showdown. The sides are locked together on 46 points and while Munster have a much healthier points difference banked, Benetton are ahead in seven place as they have won more matches (nine to Munster's eight).
It's a minefield. Scarlets, on 48 points in sixth place, are two points ahead of Munster, Benetton and ninth placed Cardiff. Edinburgh are on 44 points in 10th.
But the province have their fate in their own hands and, with home advantage as well, they have plenty in their favour against a quality side travelling to Cork.
The match will be played at Virgin Media Park, Cork
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The match kicks off at 8pm on Friday
It will be shown live on TG4 from (7.30pm) and Premier Sports 1 (from 7.55pm), and will be streamed live on URC.tv
Munster 1/8 to win, Benetton 5/1 to win; 30/1 draw
Munster interim boss Ian Costello is putting his faith in an unchanged team and matchday squad. Thaakir Abrahams, Calvin Nash in the back three, Alex Nankivell and the ever-present Tom Farrell in midfield andCasey and Jack Crowley at half-back.
Michael Milne, Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer make up the front row, Kleyn and captain Tadhg Beirne the second row and O'Mahony, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes the back row.
Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern and Alex Kendellen are the forward replacements, with Murray and Seán O'Brien providing the backs cover.
Munster: Thaakir Abrahams, Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Jack Crowley, Craig Casey, Michael Milne, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer, Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne (captain), Peter O'Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern, Conor Murray, Seán O'Brien, Alex Kendellen.
Benetton: Rhyno Smith, Ignacio Mendy, Tommaso Menoncello, Ignacio Brex, Paolo Odogwu, Jacob Umaga, Alessandro Garbisi; Thomas Gallo, Siua Maile, Simone Ferrari, Scott Scrafton, Federico Ruzza (captain), Riccardo Favretto, Manuel Zuliani, Lorenzo Cannone
Replacements: Bautista Bernasconi, Mirco Spagnolo, Tiziano Pasquali, Niccolò Cannone, Sebastian Negri, Nicolò Casilio, Tomas Albornoz, Malakai Fekitoa.
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