Ulster can handle Munster mystique - Wallace

Ulster face the two-time kings of Europe in their own back-yard - a daunting task for any team with Heineken Cup ambitions.

But Wallace reckons the familiarity between Irish players in the two sides and the experience of victory three years ago at the Limerick fortress will be a major advantage.

"No matter who you get in the knockout stages it will be tough and there can't be many bigger asks than Munster away from him," said Wallace.

"There's a massive mystique about Munster but that isn't as big a factor for us as it perhaps is for French or English clubs.

"We know them well, we mix with their players and there's that familiarity with them which other teams don't have."

Wallace expects fierce battle in front of a partisan Thomond Park and admits it will be difficult to stop the "Munster way".

But the centre is determined to reach the last four after the 1999 champions suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Northampton Saints in last season's quarter-finals.

"Munster are coming in with a real edge after a Irish derby loss to Leinster," added Wallace.

"All teams have a pattern of play and Munster have a very good rugby identity. I"t's like the current Welsh team. You know what they are going to do but it's extremely difficult to stop. The Munster way has been very successful

"They will try to dominate the gainline and if they can do that they will push the ball wide, play more expansive rugby and keep us on the back foot.

"The crowd there is also worth a few points and we expect a huge challenge from not just the team but their supporters.

"But the fact that we won three years ago gives the players involved on that day a lot of belief.

"It was a huge goal to reach the quarter finals and it was all new last season. Now two years on the bounce there is a bigger focus on making the next step."