Players to Watch: Gloucester v Munster

The Champions Cup is back! The first round of the new year kicks off with Gloucester hosting Munster. 

We take have selected the players to watch in this clash:

Tadhg Beirne - Munster

It’s a big few weeks ahead for Irish second rowers with Iain Henderson being ruled out through injury, there is one place in the Ireland 23 up for grabs.

Beirne put in two fantastic performances in back to back after Christmas and in the New Year and another string of strong performances could see Joe Schmidt questioning if he should start the Munster in the Six Nations opener against England.

He combines with Jean Kleyn to take on a powerful Gloucester pack that has Springbok Franco Mostert and former Munster lock Gerbrandt Grobler.

Danny Cipriani - Gloucester

The timing could not be better for Cipriani who could use this game to force Eddie Jones' hand and select him for the Six Nations.

Cipriani hasn't played for almost a full month now and will want to show off his skills and drive Gloucester to victory against an in form Munster side that downed the European Champions, Leinster, just a few weeks ago.

Chris Farrell - Munster

Tom Farrell caught the headlines despite Connacht's loss last week with many pundits expecting Chris to put his hand up for a spot in the Ireland squad for the Six Nations. 

Chris Farrell has his chance this weekend against Gloucester when he faces off against British and Irish Lions centre Billy Twelvetrees. 

His offloading ability and keen eye for a gap earned him a call up in 2017 but he will need to show that kind of form if he hopes to break into the squad once again. 

Ben Morgan - Gloucester

Another player who could use this Champions Cup tie as a route into a Six Nations call up. 

Morgan has been impressive for Gloucester this season and earned a recall to the England squad in November. 

He has built on his excellent ball carrying and added some stellar hands and tough tackling to his arsenal. 

With Billy Vunipola back he will need to put in a massive shift to hold onto his place.