Munster out to nullify Gloucester's Cipriani

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster head Johann Van Graan is expecting Gloucester Danni Cipriani to be the difference between victory and defeat when the two sides meet on Saturday.

Gloucester made a winning return to Champions Cup rugby to take top spot in Pool 2 after the opening round of games. Head Coach Johan Ackermann’s men show great character to hang on and claim a 19-14 win over French champions Castres Olympique at Kingsholm on Sunday.

Playmaker Danny Cipriani, named Premiership Player of the Month for September, kicked four penalties and a conversion to guide his side to victory with scrumhalf Callum Braley touching down.

A bright start to their domestic campaign has seen Gloucester establish themselves in the top four of the Premiership. Former Ireland international David Humphreys is the Gloucester Director of Rugby. The Gloucester squad also includes a former Munster man with Gerbrandt Grobler scoring one try in five appearances since making the move from Limerick to Gloucester over the summer.

"We’ve known each other a long time and he is a coach I respect," said Munster Head Coach Johann van Graan of his Gloucester counterpart Johan Ackermann.

"He loves an attacking brand of rugby, you can see the different way that Gloucester have been playing over the last season. I believe a lot of it is down to him.

"We’re under no illusions about what awaits us on Saturday. They have the second highest ball-in-play after Exeter in the Premiership, they like to hold onto the ball as well. They do it in a different way to Exeter but this will be a real test,"

"Gloucester play off 9 and off 10. Danny Cipriani’s distribution skills are very good, I think he’s had a very good year. His goal-kicking is very good, and his broken field play – he is one of those players who can win a game on his own.

"Billy Twelvetrees is a player that I really rate. I think their back three are a big threat on attack. Ben Morgan at No. 8 played very well last weekend. And we know what Gerbrandt Grobler can do – his offloading. I worked with Franco Marais as well at the Sharks. They’ve got threats all over the park so it is going to be a huge battle,"

@Munsterrugby