Conor Murray, Malakai Fekitoa and other players to watch ahead of Munster v Toulon

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Ireland’s Six Nations Grand Slam will give an added pep to Munster as they bid to reach the last four of the European Champions Cup this weekend.

    Two-time champions Munster, having lost just once as hosts in the quarter-finals, welcome three-time winners Toulon to Thomond Park on Saturday.

    Ahead of the game, we take a look at six to watch out for.

    CONOR MURRAY

    Munster’s most important player.

    Makes everything tick for Johann van Graan’s side; from his box kicking, crisp passing, decision-making and to the way he marshalled his pack around ruck time.

    In the post-Paul O’Connell era, Munster are still searching for on-field leadership and – aside from Peter O’Mahony – Murray has shown he can fill some of that void with his unselfish decision-making and ability to act as a ninth forward with his physicality and voracious work rate ensuring team-mates follow his lead.

    His ability to snipe is invaluable, touching down for a try against Racing in the group stages, as well as initiating breaks that led to scoring chances during other matches.

    CHRIS ASHTON

    One of the stand-out stars in the Top 14 this season, Ashton will be central to how Toulon perform at Thomond Park.

    The former England international has been in scintillating form since arriving at Stade Mayol during the summer, scoring 21 tries this term alone – thus equalling Napolioni Nalaga’s record back in 2008-09.

    The 31-year-old was instrumental last weekend, scoring a hat-trick against Clermont in a commanding 49-0 win – his second treble of the season.

    If Toulon can get the ball out wide at pace, then it will be difficult to stop Ashton’s speed and power from close range.

    SIMON ZEBO

    A real filip for Munster to have the 28-year-old available for this fixture.

    The Cork man brushed off a hamstring injury and will provide the firepower from deep as the Reds aim to dispatch the European giants on their home patch.

    Although he may not be involved in the international set-up – partly due to his decision to sign for Racing 92 next season – Zebo is still an instrumental presence.

    At 6′ 2”, he possesses pace, power, good defence and reliability under the high ball, and can act as an option for full-back and wing.

    MALAKAI FEKITOA

    Initially regarded as the natural successor to Conrad Smith, the former All Black soon fell down the pecking order and joined Toulon last summer.

    The 25-year-old is a direct and powerful runner and will be looking to attack the relitavely inexperienced Sammy Arnold and Rory Scannell at every opportunity.

    With the destructive Mathieu Bastareaud on his inside, Toulon have two rocks capable of causing damage with and without the ball.

    Although Ma No’nu starts in this game – Fekitoa will be instrumental when introduced.

    PETER O’MAHONY

    A totemic presence for any side.

    The Munster skipper keeps the pack well-organised and is the tipping point between winning and losing the forward battle.

    Shows up all over the pitch and is an outstanding line-out option. With nearly 50 Ireland caps to his name, he is the likely successor to the captaincy when Rory Best retires.

    DUANE VERMEULEN

    The former World Player of the Year nominee has been in swackbuckling form this campaign, playing key roles in recent wins over La Rochelle, Agen and Toulon.

    His huge physicality is a menace to any opposition and – coupled with his workrate – he is an outstanding footballer with a high skill level.

    If Munster can stop the influential No8’s dominance at the breakdown, then they will have a great chance of progressing to the last four.

    After three seasons in the south of France, the 31-year-old will return to the Stormers at the end of the season where he is being tipped for the South African captaincy.

    Recommended