"It's a massive game," says Howard. "It's round six of Europe and under any circumstances it would be a big game. It's going to be a great occasion as Munster are a very good side. This club loves the challenge that no team has won at Thomond Park in this competition. It's what you play the game for. We've got 12 internationals involved,
so we're used to some of the bigger environments. I don't think that will daunt them.
"We know that if we play at our best, we'll win. We know that if Munster play to their best, they'll win. There'll be something small in the game that will happen, and that will probably influence the result. It'll come down to performance, actually catching the ball, making that tackle, kicking the ball out rather than putting it down someone's throat. It will come down to actual skill level under pressure."
Munster may be renowned for their forward strength but Howard appreciates that the Irish province will prove a strong proposition in all areas of the pitch.
"I think they've got a nice balance to the way they play. They use their pack, as we do, to try to set a good platform up front, particularly through their lineouts. But they've also got some nice handling in the backs. O'Gara balances his kicking game with some good distribution and I enjoy watching them.
"In certain parts of the field, we'll be conservative. In certain parts, we won't. You've got to deal with where the opportunities lie and also what source of ball you think they're most vulnerable off. They are some areas they defend very, very well and others that they have been broken on."
Although results from other matches earlier in the day could influence Tigers' requirements for qualification, Howard insists that his side will be totally focused on winning alone.
"I won't be letting any of the blokes know any of the situations before the match. I will probably let the captain know at half-time what the situation is if needs be, but we're just going to focus on winning this game. That way you have your destiny in your own hands. Our attitude is purely about the victory. I don't care about the bonus points - they're not something we can control when it comes to other teams. If you start playing for bonus points, you get yourselves into dangerous territory. You go out there and deal with the game in hand. What we do know is that, if we win the game, we'll go through. The rest of it, I'm not too worried about."
