MUST BE UP FOR THE CUP

Missing top Euro comp terrifies Casey

- MICHAEL SCULLY

CRAIG CASEY says it would be “inconceivable” for Munster to miss out on Champions Cup rugby next season.

The Reds scrum-half grew up watching his heroes battle with Europe's top sides but he acknowledges Friday night presents a do-or-die scenario for the province.

Munster’s consecutive run in the competition since the 1995-96 season is on the line. Benetton, in seventh place to the Reds’ eighth in the URC table, will arrive in Cork intent on scrapping for a play-off place at the hosts’ expense.

Casey declared: “Munster and the Heineken Cup and the Champions Cup, it’s something...we have no choice. We have to be there. The pressures on. It would be inconceivable not to be there.