The South African, who this month will reach the second anniversary of his tenure with the two-time European champions, has the task of negotiating a tough draw in Pool 4, where Munster are pitted against defending champions Saracens, Racing 92 and Ospreys.

It is a competition Van Graan has held in high esteem since his days back in South Africa when Munster were the kings of Europe, lifting the trophy in 2006 and 2008.

Despite seven semi-final appearances since, including three in the last three campaigns, Van Graan is under no illusions about the size of the task awaiting him and the Irish province just to get out of their pool, which begins at Ospreys in west Wales on November 16.

“We’d love to go one step further, but for us it’s just about the first game against the Ospreys,” Van Graan said at the EPCR 2019/20 season launch in Cardiff.

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“There’s no guarantee you’re going to get out of your pool and we’re in an incredibly difficult pool against Saracens, Racing 92 and Ospreys.

“There are so many good teams in this competition and you’ve got no right to even get out of your pool. You’ve got to go and earn it over six rounds, and that’s our focus, starting with Ospreys away.

“Every minute matters of the 480 across the six rounds. It doesn’t matter whether you are in front or behind, you’ve got to fight for every point.

“In our pool over the last two years it came down to Round 6 – against Castres two years ago, when the rain delayed kick-off for a few hours, and then the [Exeter] Chiefs last year, a phenomenal game of rugby that went to the last play of the game that put us through.

“It is so brilliant to be involved. What a competition, with the five pools, travelling across Europe, and the home and away support! It’s a phenomenal competition, so we’re looking forward to it very much.”

Johann van Graan may have led Munster Rugby to consecutive Heineken Champions Cup semi-finals, but the head coach is resisting any thoughts of reaching the last four for the third season in a row.