Despite reaching two Champions Cup semi-finals in the past two seasons, Alan Quinlan thinks it will be tough for Munster to emerge from their pool this time around.
With reigning champions Saracens and French powerhouse Racing 92 to contend with, progress will certainly not be easy for Johann van Graan's side in Pool 4.
Speaking on Friday's OTB AM, the former Munster man spoke about where he thinks the province stands going into the tournament.
"They have gotten to the semi-final the past few years and they have almost punched above their weight at times.
"They have come up short probably because of their squad depth and Edinburgh probably should have beaten them last year.
"This year though I think getting to a quarter-final is a big achievement, given Racing and Saracens are there. It is the pool of death for them," Quinlan stated.
Quinlan feels Munster need to be formidable at Thomond Park and also take maximum points from the group whipping boys, Ospreys.
Non-negotiable
"They are away against Ospreys [on Saturday evening] so you would just think it is a must-win game, it is non-negotiable if they want to get out of this group.
"That will kind of kick start their campaign and then they have got Racing at home next week and that's a big game.
"Obviously we won't know how Saracens or Racing will shape up in terms of players coming back from the World Cup," the ex-Irish international said.
Even though Saracens were docked 35 points in the Premiership and fined for breaching the salary cap, Quinlan feels they will still be a force this season.
"I am not buying this scenario with Saracens, nothing has really changed in a huge sense for them.
"Their English players are going to be very slow coming back into the team anyway.
"They do have the depth in their squad and some of the younger players are good as well," he said.
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