Munster travel to Franklin's Gardens on Sunday as they face off against Northampton Saints in the last 16 of the European Champions Cup. Here's all you need to know about Munster v Northampton.
Munster welcomed back a raft of internationals last weekend including Peter O'Mahony, Tadhg Beirne and Jack Crowley. They secured a 20-15 victory over Cardiff in Thomond Park, however, the performance flattered to deceive and they'll need to be far better to beat the Gallagher Premiership leaders.
The southern province have won their last 4 games in the URC with two victories against the Crusaders and Harlequins sandwiched in between. Graham Rowntree's men will be looking for revenge as their last loss came to Northampton in the final round of the pool stages when a Finn Smith-inspired Saints downed Munster 26-23 in Thomond Park.
Northampton on the other hand, are coming off the back of a hugely impressive 41-30 win over Saracens in which they extended their lead atop the Premiership to 5 points. It is sure to be a huge test for Munster in a season-defining game.
20 January 2024; Antoine Frisch of Munster in action against Ollie Sleightholme of Northampton Saints during the Investec Champions Cup Pool 3 Round 4 match between Munster and Northampton Saints at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
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What Time is Munster v Northampton?
Munster v Northampton will take place this Saturday 7th April in Franklin's Gardens, Northampton with kick-off set for 12:30pm.
What Channel Is Munster v Northampton?
Munster v Northampton will be live on TNT Sports 1 with coverage beginning at noon ahead of kick-off at 12:30.
Team News
Munster
The big talking point this week is Simon Zebo's starting on the wing for the Munster side. John Ryan, who was handed a three-game suspension following last week's game, is named on the bench with a pending appeal.
📢 TEAM NEWS | Here is your Munster side to take on Northampton in the @ChampionsCup knock-outs on Sunday afternoon 💪
RG Snyman & Simon Zebo both come into the side with Jeremy Loughman starting on his 100th Munster appearance 💯
See full details ⤵️#NORvMUN #SUAF 🔴— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) April 5, 2024
Northampton
Knock-out ✅
Sold out ✅
Here are your Saints to face Munster in the #InvestecChampionsCup Round of 16 💫https://t.co/Ah10HhrMLl pic.twitter.com/mYcdJZiWNM— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) April 5, 2024
That's all the info you need ahead of Munster v Northampton this Saturday, as Graham Rowntree tries to return Munster to the top of European rugby.
SEE ALSO: Denis Leamy Musters Up Typical Munster Mentality Ahead Of Northampton Clash
