Shaun Payne admits he and his team-mates are not expecting a warm welcome to Kingsholm.
Irish giants expecting hostile reception
Munster full-back Shaun Payne admits he and his team-mates are not expecting a warm welcome to Kingsholm as they prepare to face Gloucester in the Heineken Cup quarter-final on Saturday.
The Irish side travel across the border for their 10th successive quarter-final in the competition in a match that has the potential to add to the rich history between the teams.
Munster nearly failed to progress from what turned out to be the most tightly contested pool, and Payne admits he and his team-mates have been pushed all the way on a number of occasions throughout their European adventures.
"Our record in qualifying for the quarter-finals for the 10th season on the trot is great but we know that down the years there have been what some would call fortunate occasions," said Payne.
"I guess you could say the so called 'Miracle Match' in 2003 against Gloucester is one of those, when, after losing 35-16 at Kingsholm, Munster had to win at Thomond Park by 27 points along with a try bonus point - and did just that.
"That one will certainly go down in both Munster and Heineken Cup folklore.
"In my first year with Munster in 2003/2004 we lost 22-11 at Kingsholm and then won the home match 35-14 so there has certainly been some memorable matches between us.
Passionate crowd
"Both sides are particularly well supported and Gloucester's hugely passionate crowd means we fully expect we will get much the same sort of welcome at Kingsholm as teams at Thomond Park will get when they play us.
"The Gloucester fans really are their 16th man and that is certainly not true of every club you play against in the Heineken Cup."
Munster secured the Heineken Cup for the first time in their history at the third attempt in 2006, and Payne admits the competition is held in high regard by the Irish club.
"As players and fans, Munster have always had an excellent relationship with the Heineken Cup," he said.
"This season we were bitterly disappointed to lose by a point at Wasps and in the end it was the losing bonus point we picked up at Clermont Auvergne that was absolutely critical in us making a 10th straight quarter-final."
The South African revealed he is expecting a tough time against England winger Lesley Vainikolo when the two sides go head-to-head on Saturday.
"It is always dangerous to single out one player because Gloucester have strength all over the park but Lesley Vainikolo is special," said Payne.
"You cannot buy or be taught strength and in pure physicality he has it all."
