Peter O’Mahony: Munster won’t take unnecessary risk with back-row for huge Leinster clash

The Limerick-based outfit currently reside in second position in the table but could drop down to sixth place if they lose and other results go against them.

Just a point separates Johann van Graan’s men from fifth place Ulster, who are on 55, with the Bulls just below Dan McFarland’s charges on 53.

It is therefore important for Munster that they do enough against Leinster to secure a home URC quarter-final in the play-offs, but Van Graan insists that it is more important for O’Mahony to be fit for the last-eight encounter.

“He’s taken a few knocks over the last few weeks,” the head coach told reporters. “We’ll take our time in the week and I’m only going to guys this week that are 100%.

“In three weeks time there’s a guaranteed quarter-final, and I have to look at the big picture again.

“Obviously we want Pete to play and if guys come through training, I’m going to pick them. If not, I’m not going to risk them this weekend.”

Munster have already seen the influential Damian de Allende and Simon Zebo ruled out, while Tadhg Beirne continues to recover from a thigh injury.

Beirne has not been seen since the Six Nations, but Van Graan did provide a more positive update on the outstanding Ireland forward.

“I’m confident that we’ll see him again before the end of the season, which is a real positive,” said van Graan.

“We’ve got to see what happens in a quarter-final – after that, who knows? We were pretty worried about him but he’s turned the corner.”

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