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Turnbull wants to repeat physical dominance over Munster

First Team News | 5th April 2019


Josh Turnbull wants his side to repeat their physical dominance over Munster as they prepare for the return fixture in Cork on Friday.

Wales' Capital Region secured a bonus point win over the Irish province at the Arms Park, with Willis Halaholo starring in a stunning team display.

Turnbull believes the win in September gives his side confidence ahead of the crucial Guinness PRO14 encounter, and hopes to gain advantage following Munster's brutal quarter final victory over Edinburgh last week.

"As a forward pack, we know that we did a bit of a job on Munster at home earlier in the season, and they had a pretty strong squad on display that weekend as well," said the Welsh international.

"We've spoken about the game in September as a forward pack this week, and we managed to get an early foot-hold which allowed us to set the tone and dominate.

"We know that we'll have to go to the mill this weekend once again and set our standards even higher than we did against the Scarlets. Against these big teams, if you set your stall early on it can make-or-break your opposition.

"As a pack, we must go out there to set a platform for our backs to create the opportunities and play some rugby. When your pack is on top and you give the ball to your outside backs, then they will cause problems. They're exciting to watch and it's only going to get even more exciting.

"They might want revenge from the game earlier in the season, but on the flip side I'm sure they'll be battered and bruised from their European quarter final after a massive game against Edinburgh.

"We're going out there to play our own game, dominate up-front and set the platform for our backs because they've been on fire recently."

 

With three games remaining in the hunt for a top three finish, Turnbull insists the group is fully focused on the task ahead.

"They're pretty big games with Munster and Connacht followed by a derby against the Ospreys to finish. Everyone looks forward to these big games, especially Judgement Day at the Principality Stadium.

"As a group, we have to worry about ourselves, both as individuals and as a team, and take each game as they come.

"We want to win every game. It would be a tough ask, but we're determined to give ourselves the best possible position to qualify for Europe next year."