Welcome along to our liveblog of all the action from Kingsholm as Munster get set to take on the Premiership side. Gloucester may not be in the best form domestically, but you can be sure they’ll raise their game in European competition.

With Conor Murray and Damian Varley having completed swift recoveries from injury, Munster look strong on paper. Has Penney made the right call at out-half though? We will soon find out. How do you see this one going? As always, predictions, comments and opinions are greatly appreciated.

First things first; here are the starting teams and replacements for the this evening’s action:

Munster: Felix Jones; Keith Earls, Casey Laulala, James Downey, Johne Murphy; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Damien Varley, BJ Botha; Dave Foley, Paul O’Connell; Peter O’Mahony (c), Tommy O’Donnell, James Coughlan.

Replacements: Duncan Casey, James Cronin, Stephen Archer, Donncha O’Callaghan, CJ Stander, Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Simon Zebo.

Gloucester: Martyn Thomas; Charlie Sharples, Jonny May, Billy Twelvetrees (c),  Shane Monahan; Freddie Burns, Dan Robson; Yann Thomas, Darren Dawiduik, Sila Puafisi; Elliot Stooke, James Hudson; Matt Cox; Matt Kvesic; Gareth Evans.

Replacements: Huia Edmonds, Dan Murphy, Shaun Knight, Tom Hicks, Sione Kalafamoni, Tavis Knoyle, Rob Cook, Ben Morgan.

This man is back on the Munster bench and it would be exciting to see him get a run out at some stage.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Former Munster flanker David Wallace believes the province still have some straightening up to do with their attacking play, despite the players backing Penney’s preferred style. However, the ex-Ireland and Lions man thinks the team selection looks good, with a strong bench to be called on too. Read more here:

David Wallace: Munster players behind Penney but gameplan still grates

The hashtag #weowntheshed2day has been spotted at Kingsholm already. Munster’s supporters have traveled in force it seems. TheScore.ie reader Dave Fingleton has this update:

Just saw a group of Munster fans got tickets for the shed and have a flag hung up on the back wall of the stand, brilliant, hats off!!

Not feeling quite ready for this Pool 6 clash just yet? Our big match preview should do the trick. Here’s what our man Pat McCarry had to say:

Gloucester will need a Miracle Match of their own to humble Munster

So what are the Munster fans’ thoughts on this fixture? How confident are you of an away win? The return of Conor Murray should be crucial; his composure in attack and power in defence just add so much to Penney’s side.

Let us know how you see the game going.

Stephen McMahon reckons it’s going to be tight:

Going for a narrow Munster victory. Maybe by 5 points, say 15-20. Come on Munster!

A focused-looking Rob Penney out on the Kingsholm turf. With his new Munster contract apparently now all but signed, he needs his side to keep on winning. The performance levels haven’t always been there this season, but the results have been strong overall.

A convincing win against Gloucester today would go down a treat.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Will be interesting to see how Freddie Burns gets on at out-half for the home side. He’s had real struggles this season, mainly with managing his side tactically. There is little doubt about his ability to attack incisively and with flair, but there is more to playing 10 that those skills.

That said, we’re fans of his talent. Opposite him, Ian Keatley is under pressure to perform. Superb atmosphere in Kingsholm from two brilliant sets of supporters.

Munster in their navy blue kit this evening as they stride out onto the turf to a great reception. So much history in the competition, can they create a little bit more tonight by silencing the home support?

We’re looking forward to seeing how Dave Foley goes in this fixture, huge game for the Tipp man. Deserves his spot and will be looking to pick off a few of Yann Thomas’ throws at the early line-outs.

Gloucester out on the pitch now too and we’re set to get underway…

Freddie Burns take the kick-off and we are in play at Kingsholm…

2 minutes – Excellent kick from fullback Martyn Thomas to settle Gloucester into the game, drills it in behind Munster’s defence and finds touch inside the Munster 22. Varley to throw in…

3 minutes – Conor Murray’s first clearing box kick is a poor one, gets little distance on it and Gloucester get a chance to build an attack. However, typically strong work in the tight sees Shane Monahan pinged for squeeze ball and Munster clear up the touchline.

Munster go to the maul on the halfway line, an area of real strength…

5 minutes – An early and brief scare for Munster after Twelvetrees made a ferocious counter-rucking effort to turn them over at the breakdown. Jonny May hacked through and Robson very nearly beat Keatley on the chase. The out-half got back in time to ensure the 22 drop-out though.

Magnificent atmosphere in Kingsholm, a real energy being transmitted from the crowd.

7 minutes – A second poor clearing kick from Murray allows Gloucester onto the attack just outside Munster’s 22, before a forward pass in midfield sees Leighton Hodges call play to a halt. Murray needs to clean those kicks up as soon as possible.

8 minutes – First blood at scrum time goes to Munster as Gloucester stand up in that set-piece. Hodges quick to penalise them and Keatley puts the ball into touch inside the Gloucester half, time for Munster to build their first concerted attack.

Would be good to see Downey used in midfield…

10 minutes – But Murray drops a short box kick in over the maul for Johne Murphy to chase. Gloucester claim the bouncing ball and are only too happy to counter through Sharples and May, breathtaking stuff. Penalty for Gloucester comes for Munster hands in the ruck and Twelvetrees steps up…

11 minutes – No, he’s missed that. not his best strike. However, real warning signs for Munster in that counter-attack from the Gloucester back three, they are lethally quick in those situations. It was a decent kick from Murray, but the chase has to be more organised if they aren’t going to reclaim it.

14 minutes – Superb kick from Keatley from hand there. ROG-esque in its accuracy and trajectory. In behind Gloucester’s defensive line and skids into touch.

16 minutes – Burns clears the Gloucester lines, but then Varley goes crooked with his throw to Paul O’Connell. Good competition in the air from the home side there, they aren’t going to let Munster have anything easy.

The subsequent scrum turns into a penalty for Gloucester with Dave Kilcoyne pinged for collapsing. Burns kicks that one into Munster’s half on the left-hand side…

19 minutes – Huge turnover penalty by O’Connell and then Downey is used up the middle from the subsequent line-out. Munster go through several patient phases and then Keatley puts another excellent kick deep into the Gloucester 22.

A wonderful chase from Keith Earls forces Robson to carry the recovered ball into touch and Munster have a line-out just five metres out now…

21 minutes – No surprise as Munster go straight to their maul, and Gloucester don’t hang about in dragging it to the deck. Hodges signals advantage, and Keatley’s attempted cross field kick is scuffed. So the out-half will now have an attempt at goal, to the right of the posts and around 20 metres out…

PENALTY! Gloucester 0-3 Munster (Keatley ’22)

23 minutes – Frustrating stuff from Munster from that kick-off. Varley is penalised for not releasing in the tackle. He is strong on the deck, over the ball, but that’s a pointless penalty in the circumstances. Twelvetrees with an immediate chance to level the game, 40 metres out…

24 minutes – But he’s missed for a second time, pulls it to the left of the uprights. Another poor connection.

24 minutes – Quick throw-in from an attacking line-out by Gloucester there, and they spread the ball to fullback Thomas. He was indecisive though in a good position, with forwards in front of him. Ends up getting tackled into touch and Munster can clear their lines. A slight chance there, poor from Thomas.

Paul O’Connell is looking sharp out there so far, Munster need him at his best.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

27 minutes – Loose kicks from both sides are giving chances to counter attack. Munster looking for space and territory with their use of the boot, dropping kicks in behind the Gloucester wings.

Earls is chasing really well up the right-hand side and Monahan doesn’t look too comfortable turning back to recover Keatley’s kicks.

TheScore.ie reader Tom Cunningham doesn’t rate the home team:

Gloucester are a poor side.

30 minutes – Gloucester on the attack outside the Munster 22 now. Their passing hasn’t been particularly accurate, but they have a handful of strong carriers like Matt Kvesic. Hodges penalizes Gloucester for illegal entry to the ruck. It’s Twelvetrees that time. Munster will have the chance to kick into the home team’s half.

TRY! Gloucester 0-8 Munster (Earls ’33)

33 minutes – Quality play from Munster there. Started with a strong Murphy carry, bouncing a defender off before the forwards carried strongly and handled well in contact. Laulala centrally involved. The Keatley grubbered through for Earls to gather and finish. Excellent team try.

CONVERSION! Gloucester 0-10 Munster (Keatley ’34)

35 minutes – Far, far better attacking play from Munster for that try, using their forwards to get over the gainline. There was a nice pass from Varley in there too, pulling a pass behind two ‘screen’ runners to a back. O’Connell had a lovely offload out of contact, and then Keatley was accurate with his kick. More of that Munster!

36 minutes – Scrum penalty for Munster on the halfway line as Hodges gets impatient with Gloucester’s front row. Keatley’s confidence is flowing and he’s going to have a go from distance as ‘The Field of Athnery’ rings out in Kingsholm…

37 minutes – Unlucky, the ball just strikes the connection of the post and upright. Just outside his range perhaps. Gloucester attack from deep, looking for something before half time.

39 minutes – Free kick for Munster at that scrum, after Burns had chipped possession away. Coughlan takes a quick tap before Keatley launches another long kick downfield. Monahan counters…

TRY! Gloucester 5-10 Munster (Sharples ’40)

40 minutes – There it is, that lethal Gloucester counter attack. Monahan kicked it off, before Robson put width on the ball from the next ruck. Sharples received possession wide on the right, 35 metres out but beat three defenders in space. So quick, such good footwork.

CONVERSION! Gloucester 7-10 Munster (Burns ’40)

HALF TIME: Gloucester 7-10 Munster

Well Gloucester are far from out of this, superb try from Nigel Davies’ side to finish out the half. Excellent counter attack but it did arise from a loose kick to Monahan. Keatley and co. have to be more accurate with those long kicks or they will be punished again.

On the positive side, Munster’s try was superb. Everything that Penney wants in his team. That half was full of intent, intensity and effort but there was a little polish lacking in some of the play, from both sides.

An incredibly gripping Heineken Cup game nonetheless. What did you think?

This was the moment Keith Earls crossed the whitewash to score that try for Munster.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Michael McDowell [@mwmcdowell] has been on to us on Twitter about that Paul O’Connell offload.

@rugby_ie first pass out of a tackle O’Connell has completed in 10 years of rugby leads to a try!

So how’s this one going to end up? Will Penney’s men tighten up that kicking game and power to victory? Or will those dangerous Gloucester outside backs cut through Munster’s defence again?

Let us know your thoughts…

How do you think Ian Keatley is performing for Munster? Has he justified his selection ahead of JJH? Perfect grubber for the try and several well-judged tactical kicks in that first 40.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Teams back on the pitch and Keatley ready to drop-off at Kingsholm…

41 minutes – Awkward/cynical challenge by Dave Foley on Stooke gives Gloucester a penalty directly from the re-start.

43 minutes – Gloucester building through the phases, going forward in Munster’s 22. Decent defence, but it’s a non-stop onslaught from Davies men at present. Munster attempting to steal the ball at nearly every ruck, so competitive. O’Connell getting close, but Gloucester go wide…

44 minutes – Extended attack comes to an end as Burns chips in behind Earls and the covering Felix Jones is tackled into touch. Line-out five metres out for Gloucester…

45 minutes – A defensive knock-on by Munster as the home team look to shift the ball a few metres to the right of the line-out. Unlucky, and Gloucester will now have a scrum just metres from the visitors’ try-line. Great attacking platform, especially for speed merchants like Sharples and May…

A couple of quick stats:

• Tackles made: Gloucester 2 – 60 Munster
• Possession: Gloucester 56% – 44% Munster
• Penalties conceded: Gloucester 6 -5 Munster

46 minutes – Cox gets well over the gainline, but then Munster’s aggressive line speed in response forces Thomas to knock-on. Great pressure from Laulala and Munster hack the ball clear.

They’ve turned over the line-out that follows too and Keatley conjures a majestic kick cross-field to find touch. Forwards will love that.

49 minutes – Excellent turnover from Munster right in the middle of the pitch. Gloucester with a sweeping, attractive attack but their passes are just slightly inaccurate, either behind the attacker or loose and in front. Their rucking is decent, but just lacking a bit of aggression.

But they’ll get the ball back with a free kick after Munster are pinged for “not taking the hit” at the scrum.

51 minutes – That’s vintage work from Paul O’Connell in defence, typical. Wins the turnover with a wonderful choke tackle. He’s so quick to get his arms in under the ball, pulling the attacker up and away from the ground. Hodges has little option but to hand Munster the scrum.

Kalamafoni and Ben Morgan are on for Gloucester. Two big carriers.

52 minutes – Another excellent Keatley kick, great distance and rolls right into touch in the Gloucester half.

54 minutes – Leighton Hodges is now calling Peter O’Mahony ‘Skip’. Asks the Munster captain for his option after a crooked Gloucester throw in the line-out. The Ireland international back row goes for a scrum and here’s a chance for Munster to build another score from the halfway line.

Ouch. Keith Earls tackles Dan Robson.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

56 minutes – Nice attack in the outside right channel through Jones and Earls, before Keatley puts another grubber in behind the Gloucester defence. Thomas tidies up and finds touch. Line-out Munster on the 22 metre mark…

58 minutes – There’s that grubber again from Keatley, but it’s a poor option this time. Nice bosh by Murphy on Robson in that passage of play too, but overall it’s a waste of territory and possession there. Keatley just needed a little more patience to wait for the right chance.

Robson is heading off for Gloucester, with Tavis Knoyle on.

59 minutes – Ooooh, nearly a breakaway try for Munster. Gloucester are ragged at a defensive scrum and as the ball shots loose, Murray is onto it in a flash. His attempted offload inside to O’Donnell is just batted down by Sharples though.

Rob Cook on for Thomas at fullback for the home team.

60 minutes – Attacking scrum for Munster now, five metres out wide on the left. Great chance to find a score…

61 minutes – We’ve gone to the TMO here for a potential Peter O’Mahony try!

61 minutes – “Is there any reason not to award that try?” says Hodges.

61 minutes - Looks good to us, we have to say…

TRY! Gloucester 7-15 Munster (O’Mahony ’61)

CONVERSION! Gloucester 7-17 Munster (Keatley ’62)

62 minutes – Great work from the Munster scrum to lay the platform there, put Gloucester onto the back foot and then the back row made further hard yards. O’Mahony took the ball close to the ruck and just powered his way to the line with determination.

Gloucester straight back on the attack inside Munster’s half…

64 minutes – Brilliant defence form Murphy as he drives Jonny may into touch wide on the right. That was better from Gloucester going forward. They had managed to create the hint of an overlap out on the left, but Sharples pass to Monahan was a shocker, well behind the big winger. Munster scrambled and then when play was switched to the other side, Murphy was powerful.

65 minutes – In relation to the second Munster try, TheScore.ie reader Cian O Donoghoe says credit is due to No. 8 James Coughlan. Good spot and great point.

POM gets the try but kudos to Coughlan for controlling the ball at the back of the rapidly moving scrum…

67 minutes – More bruising defence from Munster as Gloucester continue to attack, straightening their attack up a little more and attempting to use the likes of Morgan to make the gains…

67 minutes – But it ends with another superb turnover penalty by Munster. O’Connell involved in that area yet again. He’s been brilliant.

Conor Murray attacking in this photo, a couple of minutes before the O’Mahony try and a key involvement.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

69 minutes – Penalty for Munster as Gloucester go off their feet at the ruck. This is kickable for Keatley, to the left of the posts and around 30 metres or so from goal. Good carry from Coughlan just before the infringement, he’s stepped up as a leader for Munster in this half…

PENALTY! Gloucester 7-20 Munster (Keatley ’70)

71 minutes – Gloucester get a penalty as they go on the attack and they’ve kicked it into the left-hand corner, five metres from the Munster tryline…

73 minutes – Yet another excellent Munster turnover in defence, a choke tackle made by the big forwards. Donncha O’Callaghan and Stephen Archer, both on as subs, are involved and Gloucester frustrated in attack yet again.

74 minutes – Another poor pass from Sharples in the latest Gloucester attack. He’s been poor in that area, even if his try was superb.

75 minutes – Peter O’Mahony leaves the pitch, with CJ Stander entering the fray. Great effort from the Cork man again, and a nice try to round it off. He’s growing into that leadership role and maturing with every game. His carrying appears more powerful too.

The moment O’Mahony got over for Munster’s second try.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

77 minutes – Zeebs is on the pitch; Simon Zebo comes on for Munster on the wing. And Paul O’Connell has been named man of the match, fully deserved in out eyes. So aggressive, so accurate in contact and so competitive on the deck. Wonderful from the veteran.

78 minutes – An update on the stats for you:

• Territory: Gloucester 63% – 37% Munster
• Tackles: Gloucester 36 – 119 Munster
• Missed: Gloucester 6 – 17 Munster
• Line Breaks: Gloucester 5 – 2 Munster
• Offloads: Gloucester 5 – 6 Munster

79 minutes – The game is slowly winding down now as Zebo nearly gets onto the end of a loose Gloucester pass. Hodges calls it back though, with the home side given a penalty for a push off the ball. Burns knocks it into the Munster half, on the right and it’s likely to be the last attack…

FULL TIME: Gloucester 7-20 Munster

Munster are into the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup after this deserved and hard-fought win against Gloucester in Kingsholm.

Munster wrap up the win and the pool largely thanks to a superb defensive performance. They didn’t see too much of the ball overall, but they did make their attacking forays count. Gloucester were gloriously inefficient with the ball, but that was largely down to Munster’s smothering defence.

The choke tackle, the steals on the deck, and the powerful tackles were all essential. Keatley produced some excellent kicks to pin Gloucester back at crucial times, and Munster turned on their attacking ability twice, when they really needed to. Penney will be pleased.

What did you think of that game? Send your comments our way.

Paul O’Connell was just superb for Munster this evening. Led by example and did all the dirty work in the rucks, as well as chipping in with a few carries.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

TheScore.ie reader Emmet Galvin on O’Connell’s wonderful display. Concise, but sums the man up perfectly:

Unstoppable.

Right, that’s all we have time for on the liveblog this evening. Thanks for joining us as Munster powered to victory in Gloucester. A quarter-final is guaranteed and the confidence will continue to grow for Rob Penney’s side.

As always, your comments and opinions are greatly appreciated, so keep them coming. Enjoy the rest of the weekend, cheers!