“WE’LL TRY AND out-Munster Munster, as we’re two sides that play quite similar rugby.”
That’s how Edinburgh boss Richard Cockerill views this afternoon’s Champions Cup quarter-final at Murrayfield [KO 12.45pm, Virgin Media/Channel 4/BT Sport] and it’s difficult to disagree.
Here are two sides who kick well, particularly from scrum-half.
Murray starts at 9 for Munster. Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO
Eight of Conor Murray’s kicks in this competition this season have resulted in opposition errors, while a further four have been regathered by his team-mates.
Edinburgh scrum-half Henry Pyrgos is similarly effective with the boot, forcing seven errors from opponents under his box kicks, with another two won back.
Both sides possess ball-carrying quality, with the Scots boasting the tournament’s busiest carrier in number eight Viliame Mata, who has charged into contact 115 times. Munster’s CJ Stander is second on the list, although some distance behind on 88.
The two packs are aggressive propositions, with the Irish province’s Peter O’Mahony and Tadhg Beirne leading a ceaseless quest for turnovers, the second row topping that chart with 13 and captain O’Mahony having six so far, as well as a further five lineout steals.
Hamish Watson, who forms a mean-looking Edinburgh back row with Mata and John Barclay – man of the match against Leinster last weekend on his return from a long-term Achilles tendon injury – boasts seven turnovers so far.
The set-piece contest will be riveting. Edinburgh, with an excellent second row of Grant Gilchrist and Ben Toolis have hit 90% in the lineout in Europe this season, while Munster will be looking for improvement after winning 79% of their throws.
Edinburgh lock Toolis sits top of the lineout steals list along with O’Mahony on five, so expect an extreme contest out of touch.
Ben Toolis is a key man for Edinburgh. Source: Craig Watson/INPHO
Johann van Graan’s men had the most frugal defence of any team in the competition during their pool run, conceding an average of just 12 points per game and only 1.5 tries.
Edinburgh, unsurprisingly, weren’t far off that standard, with only Munster and Saracens being stingier in defence than Richard Cockerill’s team.
The scrum should be evenly matched too, with Edinburgh’s front row made up of captain Stuart McInally, fellow Scotland international WP Nel and the in-form South African loosehead prop Pierre Schoeman.
Munster have Test quality of their own, of course, with Dave Kilcoyne having enjoyed an excellent Six Nations. He teams up with John Ryan and hooker Niall Scannell, with Beirne and the ever-aggressive Jean Kleyn pushing from behind.
The maul will be another key battleground at Murrayfield. Both sides take pride in the inches won at maul time and it’s one area where Munster’s Jack O’Donoghue – selected at openside after a brilliant performance last weekend against Zebre – generally excels.
It feels like this will be a dogfight of a game, with vicious collisions, a few flare-ups after the whistle, and a general ferocity in all aspects.
Who can break through the brawn?
Carbery extended his contract through to 2022 earlier this week. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Joey Carbery – fresh from extending his Munster contract until June 2022 – seems an ideal candidate, having been passed fit for his first appearance since playing for Ireland against Scotland at this same stadium seven weeks ago.
It’s been a long stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury but Carbery’s ability to break defences with his running, attacking kicking and passing could be the key.
The backline outside him appears stronger than Edinburgh’s, with the glue-like Rory Scannell teaming up with Chris Farrell in midfield. Farrell’s ability to attract multiple defenders and pass as well as carry makes him an important figure.
Munster’s back three of Keith Earls, Andrew Conway and Mike Haley provides finishing quality and defensive nous.