Northampton trip a tough test for Munster
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Northampton Saints come into their Heineken Champions Cup Round 2 clash with Munster Rugby on Sunday hoping to continue a strong run of form at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
The Gallagher Premiership side may have been beaten 46-12 at reigning champions Stade Rochelais in the opening round of this season’s competition, but they have won their past five home games.
Munster come into the contest off the back of an 18-13 home defeat to Stade Toulousain and will be eager to get their campaign back on track.
The Pool B clash kicks off at 13:00 (UK & Irish time) and is available to watch on BT Sport, beIN SPORTS, SuperSport and FloRugby.
Key quotes
Northampton wing Courtnall Skosan: “Franklins Gardens is one of the most amazing grounds I’ve played at, the crowd is amazing so I think it’s going to play quite a big role for us. It’s important to have the stadium filled, put on a good performance and then hopefully make our fans proud.”
Munster centre Malakai Fekitoa: “It’s going to be tough. Northampton play some good quality rugby. They play fast rugby and [there are] some great players there. We just have to focus on ourselves, sorting out our system plays and getting a connection with the guys so that when it comes to travelling there, we can rely on each other to get a result.”
Northampton Saints
- In the Gallagher Premiership, Northampton have the highest rate of gainline success (63%).
- Alex Mitchell has made the most kicks in play (106) and kicking metres (3,969) in the Premiership.
Munster Rugby
- Were the only team not to make a single clean break in Round 1.
- Mike Haley made more metres than any other player (132).
- Munster have beaten Northampton on the last four occasions that the two sides have met. They haven’t lost to Saints since October 2009.
