Next 12 weeks will be 'make or break' for Munster - JP Ferreira

Munster are heading into the "make or break" stage of their season, according to defence coach JP Ferreira.

The South African, who will depart for Bath along with head coach Johann van Graan this summer, says the province are ready and waiting for the most crucial period of the campaign.

With their two-match United Rugby Championship tour of South Africa against the Bulls and Lions now confirmed for 12 and 19 March respectively, it means the province will have 11 games in the next 12 weeks, starting with Friday night's away trip to the Glasgow Warriors.

And that run of matches could be extended further into May if they can advance to a quarter-final or even a semi-final in the Heineken Champions Cup.

Munster will also be playing their next four games, including the away trips to Pretoria and Johannesburg, without the vast majority of their Ireland contingent.

"It always is," Ferreira said, when asked if the province are heading into the must crucial part of their season.

Munster lie fifth in the URC table, and while they are two points behind this Friday's opposition, they have a game in hand over the Scottish side, as well as two games in hand over league leaders Ulster.

"Six Nations coming in adds that factor of it being the massive block. We've come out of a massive block as well, and what we achieved in that has been brilliant.

"Going into this block now you have the guys who haven't played in the last four weeks and this is how your squad is so important.

"Coming into Zebre, having a break, then Glasgow and then going to South Africa, these guys have the opportunity to put the club in a better position again.

"It's make or break, you lose a couple of games and the pressure starts coming. And vice versa, you win a couple of