Doncaster v Munster A - Knights are offered chance of redemption

The battle for the anglo-celtic trophy has proven a happy hunting ground for the Knights, with Griffiths’s side winning six out of six in the pool stage to earn a home quarter-final with Munster A at Castle Park today.

Conversely, they have lost eight straight in the Championship, making today’s showpiece tie with the second string of the former European champions, a welcome respite.

But Griffiths has warned that another lacklustre performance from the Knights’ pack – like the one they produced last week against Jersey – will be swiftly punished.

“They’re sending a strong team, the name of Donncha O’Callaghan with 94 caps says as much,” said Griffiths, whose side will also come up against former Rotherham favourite Sean Dougall.

“It’s a typical juggernaut Munster pack and we’ll have to find the answers.

“Our forwards have to redeem themselves after their performance against a very average Jersey. Because if we don’t, we’ll struggle.

“Munster are a big name in Europe, but we may have an advantage in that they don’t play as many games as we do.”

Griffiths revealed a siege mentality has gripped the Knights as they seek to improve their fortunes.

“We had two tremendous away victories at Bedford and Cornish Pirates in this competition, in games as intense as any Championship game,” he said.

“If they’d have been for league points, no one would have been asking questions.

“But we are not far off. In these situations you need a thick skin, you need to roll your sleeves up, keep your head down and keep playing hard.”