Saracens coach Alan Gaffney guided Munster to consecutive semi-finals in 2003 and 2004 during his successful spell as head coach at Thomond Park and understands what makes them tick. 

“Munster have always had desire and you'd expect that desire to wane but it hasn't,” he said. 

“Ireland fly-half Ronan O'Gara contributes so much to what Munster do but it's the forwards who put Munster on the front foot and give Ronan the ability to play on the front foot. 

“I don't think there's a better team in the world at playing on the front foot, whatever style of game. 

“We know we must compete up front and that's where the battle will be won or lost. That will effect whether Ronan plays the game he wants. 

“We understand the magnitude of the occasion. It's something that might never happen again and we have to take this opportunity. 

“Win, lose or draw we have to give it our best shot and whatever happens, so be it. We've got to front up and if we do, we're in the game.” 

Coventry may be a routine journey from Watford but Munster's remarkable travelling support will hand home advantage to the Irish and Gaffney is in awe of their fans. 

“I can remember my first semi-final over in Toulouse. There was a farmer down in Kerry who only had four cows,” he added. 

“The only way he could get to the match was to sell one of them so that's what he did. That's the attitude of the people in Munster. 

“Munster fans pay to be part of the team, other fans pay for entertainment.”