Munster captain CJ Stander has identified a key starting point for his team-mates as they seek to avoid a first-ever double league defeat to Connacht in the Guinness Pro12.
Anthony Foley’s side travel to the Sportsground on Saturday (KO 7.15pm) to take on a home side looking to make amends for their agonising Challenge Cup defeat to Grenoble last time out.
For Munster, the stakes couldn’t be any higher. Five points adrift of the top four following the recent loss to Leinster at the Aviva Stadium, defeat in Galway would almost certainly end their hopes of a play-off position.
The three-time league champions sit in sixth place, just a point ahead of Edinburgh, and Saturday’s encounter is almost certainly last-chance saloon territory.
Defeat in France was preceded by a loss to Ulster for Connacht, but Pat Lam’s side have been in sublime form for majority of the season.
The loss at the Ravenhill was their only setback in the last seven Pro12 outings and they have only been defeated once at home all season.
A six-point win in Limerick gave the westerners greater self-belief earlier in the season and Stander is well aware of one area that requires significant improvement if the visitors are to leave Galway with a positive result.
"When we played in Thomond Park earlier this season they had 61% of the possession and we struggled massively,” he told the club’s website.
“It's simple, without possession you are going nowhere and that's something we'll have to rectify going into this weekend - we need to look after the ball."
Munster's last four matches have all been won by the home side and Stander will need little reminding of his last visit to the city where Connacht emerged victorious 24-16 after overturning a 13-point deficit.
“It's simple, without possession you are going nowhere"
The Ireland international is expecting a huge atmosphere as the season's surprise package look to secure a home semi-final.
"Connacht play a type of game that attracts people and the Sportsground will be packed - that will make it tougher for us.
“If we give them opportunities to get into the game it's going to be a long day because the crowd will be on our backs.”
