Preview: Munster v Lions

Munster

• Two powerful ball carriers in the Munster back row, Gavin Coombes and Alex Kendellen carried more than any other players in Round 11, making 26 and 20 respectively
• Jean Kleyn and Jack O’Donoghue both made lineout steals last weekend, but teammate and captain Peter O’Mahony has made more this season than any other player (eight)
• Experts at defending the fringes, Jack O’Donoghue (18), Niall Scannell (14), and Tadgh Beirne (13) have made the most guard tackles in the BKT URC. Beirne has also been a nuisance at more rucks than any other player (28)

Emirates Lions

• Emmanuel Tshituka has beaten more defenders than any other forward (21)
• Sanele Nohamba is the only player in the league who has kicked three 50/22s. He has also kicked ten kicks which have been retained
• Hard-nosed centre Marius Louw has made more dominant tackle contacts than any other player (14). However, looking for the big hit, he has also missed the most tackles in the BKT URC (25)

Did You Know?

Munster lost to the Emirates Lions in March 2022 away in Johannesburg.

Historically a major beneficiary of home advantage, Munster have lost two of their last three matches at Thomond Park, albeit to Leinster and Ulster who are both top three sides.

The Emirates Lions are on a two-match losing streak but have won more games this season away from home than in Johannesburg.