Leinster make the trip south-west to Limerick this evening to take on Munster as first and fourth in the United Rugby Championship meet.
The Blues are on a run of three straight wins in the league following last week’s thumping 45-8 victory away to Connacht.
Leo Cullen’s side trailed 8-7 at the break after Tiernan O’Halloran crossed for the Westies, but six unanswered tries in the second half blew the home side away.
Connacht-bound David Hawkshaw, Luke McGrath, Ciaran Frawley, Tommy O’Brien (x2) and Max Deegan added to Rory O’Loughlin’s first-half touchdown.
Munster also come into the game in good form, having followed Leinster’s lead from the week before by meting out a 51-22 beating to Benetton Treviso.
Matthew Gallagher, Craig Casey, Simon Zebo, Gavin Coomes, Jack O’Sullivan and Damien De Allende crossed the line for the red province.
For Leinster and Munster, it’s not only a fiercely-contested derby but a warm up for next week’s Champions Cup clashes with Connacht and Exeter respectively.
What date is the match?
Saturday, April 2, 2022.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is 7pm.
Where is the match?
Thomond Park, Limerick.
Who is the referee?
The referee is Christophe Ridley, who takes charge of his first URC game.
Are there tickets available?
The game is sold out.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be broadcast live on RTÉ Two and Premier Sports Two.
Can I stream it online?
The game can be streamed on the RTÉ Player here .
Who are they key players to watch?
Former Leinster out-half Joey Carbery comes back into the Munster side for the game as Johann Van Grann’s side gear up for European action.
The Athy man enhanced his reputation during the Six Nations as he deputised for Johnny Sexton as Ireland number ten and he’ll be key to any Munster success.
With Peter O’Mahony also back in situ in the Munster back row, the breakdown battle will be key and much will depend on the performance of Leinster’s Josh van der Flier.
The Wicklow man has established himself as one of the world’s best openside forwards and the battle between him and O’Mahony will be fascinating to behold.
Quotes Corner:
Van Graan said: “I think with the way we’ve played in the last five weeks specifically, we’re looking to keep some ball in hand.
“Obviously they’re exceptional with ball in hand so I think both teams will play positive rugby [and] both are also the best defensively in Europe, conceding something around 1.4 tries per game.
“And I think the tactical battle, they have kicked a lot in behind us. Depending on who plays 10, they pepper our back three with high balls.
“So it’s getting the balance between the kicking game, attack and defence, and most importantly the breakdown battle.”
Leinster wing Jordan Larmour said: “A game can just ebb and flow, there’s ups and downs in all types of games.
“Probably just going into it with good preparation and then it’s about showing up and playing well on the day. It’s a tough place to go.
“This week is going to have to be really switched on, go in with a good game plan. Then it’s about executing and accuracy with that game plan we come up with.”
Betting:
Munster 21/10; Draw 18/1; Leinster 2/5.
