Racing primed for a Munster backlash, says Prendergast

Racing 92 coach Mike Prendergast. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Rúaidhrí O'Connor

Racing 92 coach Mike Prendergast believes criticism of Munster's performance against Ulster will fuel a big performance at the La Defense Arena on Sunday.

Former Reds scrum-half Prendergast's old team-mates Jerry Flannery, Donncha O'Callaghan and Alan Quinlan have criticised Munster's performance at Ravenhill, but he says their words will serve as motivation.

"I remember being there myself, I spoke to Donnacha (Ryan) about it, those are the things that drive Munster on," he said.

"They are the reasons why Munster turn up on days like this and put in a fully-loaded performance, I've no doubt it will be the very same this weekend and we need to be prepared for that.

"We know what's coming, but we'll focus on ourselves as well. I've spoken to the boys as well, telling them to look at their last European performance against a fully-loaded Saracens team. It's a game they should have won, so expect that.

"These are the scenarios that Munster have grown into in the last 10-15 years, expect nothing different.

"You still have incredible players of quality and experience like Conor Murray, Peter O'Mahony and CJ Stander. We won't be looking too much at the last two results. Rotation, injuries, there's lads coming back... I know (Joey) Carbery is out, but it doesn't change a huge amount."

Racing will be without Simon Zebo for Sunday's game after he suffered a foot injury against Clermont on Saturday.