Munster vs Sharks Preview & Tips - Sharks backed to struggle in Ireland

This is the first competitive meeting between Munster and the Sharks.

Munster come into this clash desperate to get another trophy under their belt. They lost the Pro14 final 16-6 to arch-rivals Leinster 16-6 last season.

In the Rainbow Cup Munster managed four wins from their five matches but finished second to Benetton who went unbeaten.

Munster are the second most successful side in the Pro14 (now United Rugby Championship). It has been a lean few years as they’ve watched Leinster dominated.

Munster have no injury concerns ahead of this match. Johann van Graan will have a full squad from which to pick.

The Sharks will be pleased with how their season has gone recently. They made the Currie Cup final where they suffered a 44-10 defeat to the Bulls.

While the final was disappointing, the Sharks produced some very good performances throughout. They are also the South African union hardest hit by the lack of international players.

As the tournament progresses and international players become available, the Sharks will become a lot better. They still have a very strong side that should be reasonably competitive against a strong Munster outfit.

It is adapting to European conditions that will be crucial to the Sharks, as it will be for all South African sides.

Curwin Bosch will start at fullback with Boeta Chamberlain taking the flyhalf birth. Ruan Pienaar starts at scrumhalf following his loan move from the Cheetahs.

Pienaar spent most of his career playing in this competition for Ulster so he’ll bring invaluable experience.