Jack Crowley’s return to the Munster line-up against the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld gave his side a much-needed lift. Photo: Nic Bothma/Sportsfile
On Monday, when Munster announced their intention to host a Champions Cup pool game at Páirc Uí Chaoimh next season, there must have been a strong sense of trepidation for fear of tempting fate.
Munster caveated their plans by saying that the fixture is subject to GAA approval, which shouldn’t be an issue, but, more pressingly, it is based on the province qualifying for Europe’s premier competition. Right now, that remains a considerable ‘if’, such is the intense battle for a top-eight URC spot.