READY FOR 'ELLE'

It'll be devilishly difficult but Beirne's backing Reds

- MICHAEL SCULLY

TADHG BEIRNE is backing Munster to produce one of their special Champions Cup days and reckons Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle will expect nothing less.

Reds skipper Beirne will lead out the Reds at Stade Marcel Deflandre for their first ever meeting with an out-of-sorts Top 14 outfit that is looking to ignite their season with a last 16 victory.

With Peter O'Mahony, Jean Kleyn and Thaakir Abrahams back in the side and half-backs Jack Crowley and Craig Casey firing, Munster's large army of supporters have travelled in hope of another miracle match against the champions of 2022 and 2023.