Munster’s qualification hopes were dealt a blow last weekend when they were beaten 15-6 at Saracens, a result that leaves them six points adrift of Pool 4 leaders Racing 92 with a daunting trip to Paris set for next month in Round 5.

However, while Larkham admitted he was disappointed with the result against the defending champions, he stressed his side recognise what is required to qualify for the last eight.

"So, it's going to be difficult now for us in Europe,” Larkham told the Irish Independent. “We certainly know what we need to do to get to the finals, which is win every game from here on in, which is what we were up against at the start of the season anyway.

“Nothing has really changed in terms of that, but there is a fair bit of disappointment."

However, the former Australia fly-half felt that Munster had progressed since losing to Saracens in last season’s Heineken Champions Cup semi-final in Coventry.

"If you compare the semi-final last year with the game we played on the weekend, we are miles ahead of where we were and I think everyone feels that within the team," Larkham added.

"We took [the loss] pretty hard; there was fair emotion in the changing room.

“It was a game I felt we prepped really well for, having beaten them the week before. Having put in a fairly strong performance for the majority of that game, everyone involved was bitterly disappointed.”

Munster Rugby senior coach Stephen Larkham reckons the Irish province will need to win their final two Pool 4 matches if they are to reach the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals for the fourth successive season.