Munster's All Black centre Francis Saili is looking forward to locking horns with fellow New Zealander Charles Piutau when Munster welcome Ulster to Thomond Park on Saturday.
Despite a disappointing season considering the expectations up north, Piutau has been in fine form for the Ulsterman throughout.
The powerful runner has gained roughly 1400 metres in the Guinness PRO12 Championship so far this season which has seen him dot down on six occasions. He also top the statistic for the most clean breaks (24) and defenders beaten (62) in the championship thus far.
Speaking to the provinces official website, Saili said: “I know him quite well, I actually know him since school. I played against him and played alongside him as well for many years.
Two @AllBlacks set to go head to head this weekend. We chat with @FrancisSaili | https://t.co/LNrjb59Ejv#MUNvULS pic.twitter.com/AGWVmyf033
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) April 13, 2017
"He is going to be one of the guys that we will have to keep an eye on but it’s a team sport and we just have to trust our defensive systems and hopefully shut him down because we know he’s got some twinkle toes.
“But like I have always said, once you cross that line, no friends on the field,” he added.
Ulster desperately need a win as they sit level on points in fourth place with the Scarlets while the home side are two points off behind leaders Leinster who face Connacht in Galway on Saturday evening.
Munster and Ulster clash in Thomond Park at 15:00 on Saturday.
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