We want a home final for the fans
GRAHAM Rowntree says Munster want to secure a home URC final for the fans who couldn't make the Cape Town decider last year.
Around 5,000 supporters did make the trip to South Africa for last season's showpiece as the Reds ended their 11-year trophy famine by beating the Stormers.
But Rowntree (pictured) is eyeing up the scenario of a sea of red descending on Thomond Park for the final on Saturday week against Bulls or Leinster — if Munster overcome Glasgow Warriors at the same venue this Saturday (6pm).
Glasgow beat the Stormers in Scotstoun on Saturday to set up a repeat of last term's quarter-final, although this time Munster have home advantage.
Reds boss Rowntree — who was happy to open a bottle of wine to watch events in Glasgow, knowing his team's work was done — says that staying at home this week and playing at Thomond Park is hugely important after last season's remarkable run of victories away from home to earn the title.
“Yeah, absolutely,” he said. “We want to do it for the fans who couldn't make it to Cape Town and to Leinster (for the semi-final).
“You can feel the vibe of this place in knockout rugby. It's important.”
Munster also have the benefit from an extra day's recovery after overcoming Ospreys in Limerick on Friday.
“As it turns out I wasn't over the moon last week, to be honest with you,” said Rowntree, referring to the fact Munster only had a six-day turnaround into the quarter-final.
“Six days, we've just topped the League and we're going to play first! But no, it's a major positive now.
“As I sit now it's a real positive for us, get a bit more rest before we plan next week. We'll keep some petrol in the tank for a semi-final.
Physically
“At this time of the year it's what you don't do physically in training, you've just got to do enough tactically, make sure you get a bit of intensity and make sure you're moving well, cover off all your set plays.
“But we've got that much work in the bank in terms of intensity. We've really pulled back training.”
Pleased with how his team played “Cup rugby” and, in particular, with the defensive display of skipper Tadhg Beirne and the control shown by out-half Jack Crowley in the second half, Rowntree confirmed Tom Ahern is the latest player to have his season ended by injury.
Ahern will undergo ankle surgery, and so joins Rory Scannell who is also going under the knife — and the departing Joey Carbery on the sidelines for the rest of the campaign.
“You're never not disappointed to lose players of their calibre,” said Rowntree. “The way Joey got himself back with his performance...it's no way for Joey to finish his Munster career, I feel for the kid.
“And Rory has just been a soldier for us.”