Rassie Erasmus expects stiff challenge for Munster against Racing 92

Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus believes his team will face an uphill task when they take on Racing 92 in the rearranged European Champions Cup encounter on Saturday.

The clash between the two teams was originally scheduled in October but following the death of Munster head coach Anthony Foley, the game was postponed.

Munster are currently placed second in Pool 1 with 11 points from three games while Racing 92 are already out of contention for the play-off after failing to score a single point in the three games.

Despite, having the form on their side, Erasmus is against writing off the finalist of last season.

"If you look at their squad depth, and obviously their budget and player budget and the stature of their club and where they finished last year in both competitions (Champions Cup and Top 14), they could field a great team," he said.

"And you wouldn't know if they filled a second team with those guys that they aren't actually better. They may be younger, but are just potentially as good.

"I started wandering down that line of thought, thinking about it, but then I thought 'what would it help?' We can only control how well we train and play, and I am sure playing there - whatever team they put out - it is going to be a massive challenge for us."

Ireland internationals Peter O'Mahony, CJ Stander and Simon Zebo have all returned to the side as Munster have made 10 changes to their line-up while former All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter is named on the bench for Racing 92.