Rowntree: Munster will need season's best v Sharks

Munster head coach Graham Rowntree believes his side will need to produce their best rugby of the season this weekend, if they're make it to quarter-finals of the Heineken Champions Cup for a record 20th time.

The province flew out to Durban yesterday in preparation for Saturday's Round of 16 meeting away to the Sharks, with Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray back among the group after being rested on Saturday, while Niall Scannell and Antoine Frisch have been cleared from injury to play this week.

In the 28-year history of the Champions Cup Munster have seen just about everything along the way, reaching four finals and winning two titles.

But Saturday's Round of 16 tie with the Sharks presents a first for the province; knockout rugby in South Africa.

While the province have never played in Durban, they do have experience of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth in recent seasons, and Rowntree says they'll embrace the extra challenges that come with the long journey to the east coast of South Africa.

"That's what this sport is, you get on with it and deal with adversity," the Munster head coach said, before the squad departed yesterday.

"We’ve had a few bits of adversity thrown at us. It’s part of sport now, travelling. The South African teams are doing it more than anyone and they seem to be going alright.

"You hear about these huge Stormers’ props squeezing themselves into economy [class]. We’ll be doing the same. We’ll try to squeeze Roman Salanoa into a seat tonight. But you’ve got to get on with it.

"That is sport, travelling, and what an experience for the lads to go and play in; different continents, playing against teams who play in different competitions. It’s part of sport. These are the memories you