Every game is a 'must-win' - Ferreira says Munster entering knockout mode

Friday's United Rugby Championship meeting with Cardiff is a "must-win" one for Munster, according to defence coach JP Ferreira.

Last week's win away to Ulster has given the province a big chance of securing a home quarter-final in the URC, but with just three points separating Munster in third from the Bulls back in eighth place, a slip-up against Cardiff would ensure last week's efforts were for nothing.

"It's must-win, definitely," said Ferreira, ahead of the meeting with Cardiff at Musgrave Park on Friday.

"We've got the same mindset that we had since we played Exeter in the Round of 16. Our mindset hasn't changed in that sense, every game is a knockout for it now, we're getting to the end of the season, and it's must-wins. We take it like that. It doesn't matter what the opposition, it's the next game.

"The URC is so close now, the South African teams are doing so well, getting bonus point wins and putting themselves up there. It's all to play for in the next two rounds.

Aside from their opening half away to Exeter, Munster have noticeably played a more attacking and adventurous game in recent weeks, particularly in the first 40 minutes against Ulster last Friday where their width and tempo created problems for Dan McFarland's side.

And while Ferreira (above) admits there are plenty of factors that have contributed to the change in style, a large part of the change has been down to factors outside their control.

"It's pretty simple. Sometimes it can be difficult, but in the northern hemisphere we're facing three seasons. You start your campaign in dry weather, then you get into wet weather and mucky conditions, and now at the back end of it you're getting dry conditions again," he added.

"That has a massive role to play -