Munster v Leinster, Saturday 2nd April, 19.30. **Mod Warning. Read OP**.

TheRevolution

MOD Warning:

Great OP and great bit of banter thus far, so apologies to all for having to stick this eyesore on top of the thread, but alas it has to be done. So here goes. Another Leinster/Munster derby looms, so as per usual, there will be, yes you've guessed it, zero tolerance/bans for;

Player/Pundit abuse.
Abuse of fellow posters.
Leinster V Munster nonsense.

We can have a bit of banter and chat as this thread amply proves so far, without descending into petty sqaubbling and idiocy so lets see if we can maintain it. I'd also ask forum regulars to help us mods out by reporting inappropriate posts and not feeding the inevitable trolls who know bog all about rugby but will feel compelled to trash talk on the thread.

Enjoy the game and may the best team win.

Toom.

Come one, come all for what is fast becoming the most passionate and ferociously fought derby in world rugby. In the red corner, a European giant out to restore and normalise order in Irish rugby by stopping Leinster from getting a sixth win on the trot. In the blue corner, the form team in European rugby who are determined to continue their hegemony over Irish rugby and hit unstoppable form ahead of their Heineken Cup clash. A loss for Munster would seriously put a dampner on a hugely impressive Magners League season and could be a crucial blow to the confidence of the men in red when facing their blue neighbours. A loss for Leinster could be a huge blow for the morale of the team ahead of such a crucial game in a fortnight and bereft the team of a home Magners semi final, maybe even a Magners semi final. Let there be no doubt that this is a crucial game for both teams and no better place than the fiery Thomond Park for such a battle to unfold.

The Players
Jonathan Sexton v Ronan O'Gara



There is some mouth-watering match ups all over the pitch but its in the 10 channel where things are at their most interesting. The unsurper of the throne, Jonathan Sexton, has had to deal with a replenished Ronan O'Gara launching a counter attack this 6 Nations and now, with the world cup only months away, the 10 position still not certain. O'Gara will be eager to remind the Irish management that experience and intelligence reign supreme whilst Sexton will be out to prove that flair, physicality and youthful dynamism is the way forward in the new era.

Cullen-Hines v POC-DOC



In the second row we have the legendary POC-DOC axis coming up against the much vaunted Cullen-Hines axis. POC-DOC almost a decade old, tried and trusted and with both players in fantastic form comes up against a second row pairing that contains a Leo Cullen who is out to prove a point after being shunned on the bench this 6 Nations and a Nathan Hines who........is Nathan Hines. The Battle of the Giants could swing either way however there is no doubt that aggression will be the pendulum that swings the favour to one team.

Isa Nacewa v Doug Howlett






Both highly regarded in New Zealand and both two of their respective team's most important players. These days both Nacewa and Howlett have become more blue or red than their native team mates in their short stay. When both are at their best they are both unstoppable and no doubt they will both be up for this. Both incredibly physical and both are vital to the performance of their respective teams. A Leinster backline without Nacewa and a Munster backline without Howlett are two very different weapons. The question is, who will get the edge this weekend?


The Stadium




Munster play at home in the formidable Thomond Park. An unshakeable fortress that in recent years has lost some of its invincibility. The crowd will be riled, the noise will be up and the atmosphere will be electric. For many in Leinster the fear of Thomond Park no longer exists however for many in Munster the pride of winning at Thomond Park is stronger than ever and no better time to reintroduce that fear than against the old enemy at the business end of the season.


The Mods



toomevara

The two man tasked with the thankless job of making sure this thread runs smoothly. Ruggiebear, a veteran of the Munster v Leinster match thread modding and toomevara, a mod who has shown time and time again that he zero tolerance is the norm when it comes to this "naval gazing ****e"


PREDICTION : MUNSTER TO WIN BY 10PTS IN ONE OF THEIR BEST PERFORMANCES OF THE SEASON. JACKASS TO NOT SHOW HIS FACE AROUND THESE PARTS FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR AND CPT BLACKBEARD TO EXPLODE ALL OVER HIS KEYBOARD WITH HAPPINESS.



Its the big one folks, Predictions.....?

chalkitdown

Really looking forward to this match, should be a cracker.

molloyjh

Nice OP Revolution. Not sure about the prediction though. I think this one is going to be every bit as close as last years game on Thomand. A 1 score encounter that could really go either way. My heart says Leinster for the 6th consecutive win, my head says there's a backlash coming, but who really knows.

Munsters form has been scrappy lately, but DOC and Earls in particular have hit great form these last few weeks. I'm nervous as all hell and can't wait for kick-off.

COME ON LEINSTER!

trackguy

Leaning towards Munster. As well as Leinster are playing, I think this match comes at a good time for Munster.

POC, DOC, Earls, ROG are all in good form. The biggest factor though will be the feeling from the previous matches. Munster just CAN'T lose this game, if you follow my meaning.

Munster to edge it by 1-7 pts with ROG leading the charge.

CouchSmart

Heart says Leinster, head says Munster. It's gonna be a cracker anyway. Both teams will be really up for it. Munster's pride remains at stake, while there's a vital 4 Magners points to be picked up for Leinster.

Quint2010

Excellent preview. They key here is home advantage. Yes Leinster have won the last five but only one of these was at Thomand. If the two teams were to play 10 times on neutral ground I would say Leinster right now would win seven of them. But Leinster will have half an eye on next week whereas the pressure will be off Munster somewhat. ROG, POC and DOC are all playing well now and I can see them disrupting Leinsters line out. Against that, Leinster should edge the scrum and have the better ball carrying more dynamic back row. But Munster are Munster and Thomand is Thomand.

Munster by 2 points:17-15

danthefan

Looking forward to it but the weekend after is all that matters really, would happily take a loss to Munster and win against Leicester.

[Jackass]

I hattte being confident coming into any Leinster v Munster game...

Butttt, I just feel Leinster have the edge. I think Leinster will be full stregth and this will be a dress rehersal for the quarter final, and I think if Leinster can get to a high enough gear, they wont be stopped...

But, Munster are Munster, and Thomond Park is Thomond Park, and no team has ever gotten an easy ride down there, and I'm not sure many, if any teams, have conquered Thomond twice, never mind twice in a row...

Really really tight game, but if Leinster have the best team out and if we're really focused on getting a big performance on before the Heineken, then it could be epic and we could shade it...

I mentioned in another thread though, one hallmark of these games in the past has always been the fact that big European games follow the next week every season, and with Munster having the shackels of Heineken Cup rugby off them, they really wont hold back on the tricks and moves they'll be happy to expose in this game to end the drought, whereas Leinster will feel the need to hold one or two gems back...

But we'll see...make no bones about it, "bigger fish to fry" goes out the window, both teams want this bad, and I expect a fierce encounter, and may the best team win!

Predicted Leinster team: Nacewa, Horgan, O'Driscoll, D'Arcy, Fitzgerald, Sexton, Reddan, Healy, Strauss, Ross, Cullen, Hines, O'Brien, Jennings, Heaslip Subs: Harris-Wright, Van Der Merwe, Wright, Toner, McLoughlin, Boss, McKinley, McFadden

Cpt_Blackbeard

The OP was much too diplomatic for my liking, but I guess that there is no need for the tribalism and ensuing bans to start for another few days.

I can't see POC allowing Munster to lose without one hell of a fight and I've a feeling that Buckley might just pull out a performance like he did against the All Blacks to remind Irish management that he is still knocking around. The scrum will be huge too, as Munster will look to prove that they aren't completely useless and the Toulon and Ospreys games were just blips.

Its clear to see that Leinster are currently the better team and playing better rugby, which should help console me if we lose .

Amazotheamazing

Our backrow can't compete with Leinsters, nor can our centres. These will be the difference and will hand Leinster the game.

Cpt_Blackbeard

[Jackass] wrote: »

I mentioned in another thread though, one hallmark of these games in the past has always been the fact that big European games follow the next week every season, and with Munster having the shackels of Heineken Cup rugby off them, they really wont hold back on the tricks and moves they'll be happy to expose in this game to end the drought, whereas Leinster will feel the need to hold one or two gems back...

The problem is that there mightn't be any moves to pull out of the hat..

I gladly take a defeat if it meant getting in a top class backs coach though.

Going to be running a book on the game.

Some odds
Jackass to be banned before the final whistle 3/1
Cpt. Blackbeard to be infracted up to kick off 4/1
danthefan to say "Well done Munster" 16/1
Ruggiebear to out-ban toomevera (-1.5 HC) 5/2
Less 3 people banned 3/1
Exactly 3 people banned 5/1
More than 3 people banned 1/16
Sexton vs ROG debate to be opened - 1/200
Someone to ask "who are you to tell me not to post on a thread" of Ruggiebear 5/1
Jackass to commend Earls' defence 500/1
thomond2006 to get banned 12/1
thehighground to open a new account 7/2

happy punting lads

[Jackass]

Deleted User wrote: »

Going to be running a book on the game.

Some odds
Jackass to be banned before the final whistle 3/1

Haha shiiiiiit son, I'll take those odds! I'm putting 50 bucks down on that one right now!

O'Gara's a big girl

thomond2006

Nice writeup! I'll stick up my own when the teams are confirmed (probably Friday).

As is tradition on the forum, it's time for the thomond vs jackass forfeit. It's 3-1 to the Leinster lad at the moment:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=59700585&postcount=340

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=60080257&postcount=334

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=65226811&postcount=732

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=68307564&postcount=437

....but I feel it's time my comeback begins (and time to get rid of my ****ing sig)! I can't take more online humilation!

@Jackass: Should Munster win on Saturday, you must quote the following:

As I hop off the DORT, I still can't come to terms with the fact that the rugby world has finally come to it senses. Leinster had its few years of rugby domination loike but now the curse has been lifted and Munster have reclaimed their rightful throne. My favourite evil cartoon character Jonny Sexton and all his minions have been shown up for the Munster wannabes they are.

As I stare at my blue Leinster jersey, I think of all the good times we had. Well it's all over now! Munster are stuck on top of the Magners now and are going to romp to a Grand Final win. So I better donate my worthless jersey to my nearest charity shop and go out and get myself a Munster shirt, the chic accessory of every true rugby man.

Munster have been hiding in the long grass for a long time. They allowed us to beat them five times in a row so that when they won at the sixth attempt, they could make us feel as miserable as I feel now. Oh how ingenious Tony McGahan and Laurie Fisher are!

Our bunch of Leinster kids need some Munster old heads to get them up to scratch. I say we get Galwey on board as forwards coach to make our forwards grow some balls and offer Quinlan a five year deal and make him captain. Also stick Dowling on the wing, shure isn't he the fastest man in Ireland loike? Look how behind we are in recruitment! We sign a Kiwi journeyman like Matt Berquist while Munster sign the next Irish number 10 in Ian Keatley, a future legend that we were stupid enough to let go!

Anyway I best go drown my sorrows and try and pull a Munster bird in CopperFaceJacks. Maybe with my Munster jersey on she'll take pity on me and give me a dance but I know for sure she'll turn me down when she smells my cheap official Leinster rugby aftershave. In the name of Our Lord O'Gara, I bid you all farewell....

YOU MUST ALSO USE THIS AS YOUR SIG, UNTIL THE NEXT TIME MUNSTER PLAY LEINSTER:

Leinster 6 in a row over Munster?! ME ARSE!!!

I heartily endorse the claim that Alan Quinlan is the best backrower ever known to man.

I await your colourful reponse! :pac:

thomond2006

Deleted User wrote: »

Going to be running a book on the game.

Some odds
Jackass to be banned before the final whistle 3/1
Cpt. Blackbeard to be infracted up to kick off 4/1
danthefan to say "Well done Munster" 16/1
Ruggiebear to out-ban toomevera (-1.5 HC) 5/2
Less 3 people banned 3/1
Exactly 3 people banned 5/1
More than 3 people banned 1/16
Sexton vs ROG debate to be opened - 1/200
Someone to ask "who are you to tell me not to post on a thread" of Ruggiebear 5/1
Jackass to commend Earls' defence 500/1
thomond2006 to get banned 12/1
thehighground to open a new account 7/2

happy punting lads

Shocking odds on me, I'm the nice guy 'round these parts! Plus it's unlikely I'll see the game live (birthday barbecue yum) and so I'll probably download it as soon as it's available which could be Sunday. I won't want to know the result so I won't be on the forum for a while anyway! So mods you'll have no trouble from me this weekend!

....and eh €25 on jackass at 3/1.

Cpt_Blackbeard

Deleted User wrote: »

Going to be running a book on the game.

Some odds
Jackass to be banned before the final whistle 3/1
Cpt. Blackbeard to be infracted up to kick off 4/1
danthefan to say "Well done Munster" 16/1
Ruggiebear to out-ban toomevera (-1.5 HC) 5/2
Less 3 people banned 3/1
Exactly 3 people banned 5/1
More than 3 people banned 1/16
Sexton vs ROG debate to be opened - 1/2000
Someone to ask "who are you to tell me not to post on a thread" of Ruggiebear 5/1
Jackass to commend Earls' defence 500/1
thomond2006 to get banned 12/1
thehighground to open a new account 7/2
Marley Bumpy Gauche, Jackass and danthefan to get in a heated "discussion" with Cpt_Blackbeard resulting in at least 1 ban 11/2

happy punting lads

danthefan

I won't be discussing anything about the game tbh, it's fairly pointless these days.

TheRevolution

danthefan wrote: »

I won't be discussing anything about the game tbh, it's fairly pointless these days.

thomond2006

Munster will see this as a chance to cement top spot and then concentrate on the Amlin till the ML playoffs.

I think Munster will win by a score but it's a lottery tbh. Where Munster select Earls will be crucial.

RuggieBear

discuss rugby folks

Podge_irl

Leinster are the better team (at the moment anyway). Home advantage may well swing it Munster's way. Hard to know for sure really as there isn't much in the way of form to judge off.

LuckyGent88

Looking at all these posts so far I nearly might sell my ticket on just so i can be at home just to see what happens on this thread during the match
This is going to be a very tough match to win for Munster. Our centres arent good enough and cant create anything and our backrow is not as powerfull as O'Brien & Heaslip.
Our only hope of a win IMO is if Leinster are below par for some reason and POC inspires an unbelievable performance out of the boys

Leinster by 7 :(

durkadurka

Where my f***ing mod warning?

Munster by a score, said he cute hoorly.....

GerM

I cannot see beyond a Munster win to be honest. Results from when the sides last played their full strength sides 2 months ago mean very, very little at this point in time. Far more pertinent is the fact that Munster have their players coming back from Irish duty in the best form they've been in for a long time. When was the last time DOC and Wallace were playing as well as they did against England? POC is almost back to his imperious best; his sheer will and effort can wrestle a winning performance from those around him. Earls and ROG showed in the 6N that they can turn in top class performances and no place more likely for it to happen than Thomond.

With Leinster looking to keep things under wraps for the following week I don't think they'll be putting their bodies on the line in the same way Munster will be this week. Munster don't have the quarter final to worry about; this is their HEC quarter final and all the associated frustration will be vented on Leinster. A close game, as per always, but I can see a fired up Munster being greater than the sum of their parts and forcing a win.

profitius

GerM, you make good points there. I wouldn't be as confident however.

This season Leinster have played some of the best rugby in Europe while Munster are playing an inferior brand of rugby. Munsters bigger squad has allowed them build up a big lead in the ML but Leinster has the better team and coaching and they can raise their game higher than Munster can. Munster have DOC, POC, Wallace, ROG, Earls who are all international class players but theres also the likes of Johne Murphy, Ronan, Du Preez, Varley, TOL, Coughlan Tuitupou, Denis Hurley and Mafi all of whom wouldn't get anywhere near the Leinster team or in most cases squad.

And as I was saying the way Munster are playing has not been great this season. Leinsters style is like a warrior with a sword. A quick clean blow and the opponent is killed. Munster is like a warrior going into battle with a hurley. It takes repeated whacking to kill an opponent and its energy sapping and far from clean. The Ospreys have scored 51 tries to Munsters 39 even though the Ospreys have lost 7 games to Munsters 3.

Munster have a very bad try scoring record against Leinster too. This is because Munster are predictable and they're not able to grind Leinster down like they do to lower teams.

tolosenc

Leinster have shown this year that on their day, they can comfortably beat any team in Europe. We have a gear that Munster doesn't, but it has been absent for a couple of months now.

Leinster by 3.

Podge_irl

tolosenc wrote: »

but it has been absent for a couple of months now.

So have the players....

Brenireland

well look,I'll be honest I reckon Leinster and Sexto will Kick Munster & Rodge into touch once again!

10+ plus win for leinster with naciewa getting a try,and Fitzy putting in a Man Of The Match performance!

trackguy

Can't wait for this one! Aside from the obvious spice to the game I'm dying to see how the scrum & lineout develop.

Sexy v Rog again! Wally v SOB, POC v Cullen, DOC v Hines, Strauss v Varley, Earls v Fitz/ Horgan....and many more!

PhatPiggins

I just hope there are no serious injuries.

Irish teams can do a clean sweep of all the remaining competitions this year, would be a great achievement.

phog

It looks like the Leinster lads are tipping Munster and I'm tipping Leinster, one of us have to be wrong and this time around I'll happily be wrong.

Other than league points Munster need this win, we've lost the last 5, some narrowly and one where we just didn't turn up.

Leinster is the opposite, they could normally take the loss in Thomond Park but this year they possibly really need the points.

Whatever the outcome I hope the game is won by playing rugby and not by a silly decision by the ref - who is the ref on Saturday?

Hopefully both teams wiull come thruogh without and injury or a suspension and be fully fit for their respective QFs the following week.

C'mon Munster

durkadurka

phog wrote: »

It looks like the Leinster lads are tipping Munster and I'm tipping Leinster, one of us have to be wrong and this time around I'll happily be wrong.

Other than league points Munster need this win, we've lost the last 5, some narrowly and one where we just didn't turn up.

C'mon Munster

One?

ironingbored

On form over the year, you would have to say Leinster will be victorious. Better scrum, superior back row and more dangerous out wide.

Having said that, POC is well on his way to reclaiming his place amongst the world' s great locks, Wallace and ROG have com into form and Earls is the currently brimming with confidence and full of brilliant running.

Finely poised with Munster maybe having the edge with home advantage and more to lose from a squad well-being point of view. On the other hand, I think Schmidt is far the superior coach.

copacetic

Munster looked to be in better nick as both teams got their internationals back, Leinster will of course be really up for it, but as noted above they will have an eye to the HCup when making set piece moves etc. I expect Munster to shade it, we've taken 5 in a row now and it seems setup for Munster to get one back at home.

Most annoying thing for me is that it clashes directly with Dublin v Down, Dublin v Kilkenny double header.

Jemo

Its a tough one to call

Leinster
A team which had deployed the most dynamic and effective gameplan in Europe this season but whose prime players have had a quiet six nations and have yet to settle into their roles in Blue.
The strenghts are in the backrow, scrum and attacking play. Major weakness is having two wingers who are still coming back to form after longterm injuries and may be prone to mistakes. IMO we have a slight advantage at halfback where Reddan and Boss should be able to dominate Stringer and Murray and ROG and Sexton are poised for the usual cracker.
If the backrow can click as it has thus far then Munster will struggle to cope but with Heaslip only now reaching form and doubts over Jennings this could be a patchy area.
Points are needed from this encounter to ensure a home semi, and the boys will be up for it as they always are when they see red jerseys.

Munster
Home advantage and a chip on the shoulder will be the key for Munster here and this has traditionally proved an important factor. Couple that with the mercurial David Wallace and the game management of ROG and the weather could decide this game.
Questions abound over the makeup of the backline and whether it has the firepower to cut open a sterling Leinster defensive system. They will target Shaggy and Luke for punishment in the hope of forcing errors. Earls is another who has shone this 6 nations tournament and will look to show his worth in the centre if picked there.
Munsters pack will prefer a tight physical affair where ROG keeps them in the right areas of the pitch so the weather could be a deciding factor here. If it rains then Munster have the personnel to cause havoc with the boot and expose the Leinster wingers.

Key Match up:
Reddan vs. Stringer
Both players will look to whip the ball away from the ruck where both teams will try to contest everything and niggly play will abound. Reddan is in the better form but if it rains then Stringer can provide the service upon which ROG will thrive. Halfback is really a battle of the new against the old and these two players will be decisive in how their respective outhalves perform.

Prediction:
It will be tight, but weather will probably have a key role in this battle. Leinster will be praying for good conditions whilst Munster will revel in their classic gameplan as it will give them the structure to turn around their Leinster losing run. Tempers will flare in either case and defenses will likely dominate. Too close to call at the moment

PS, fairplay to thomond and Jackass, nice to see a bit of fun amidst the strong provincial rivalry. I wonder do any of the international players have forfeits for these games too

PhatPiggins

I wouldn't be making any assumptions on who gets the 9 jersey for Munster.

A Stringer/ROG/Wawrick 9/10/12 combo would be Sean O Brien's wet dream

P_1

I'm not too sure how this one is going to go, the return fixture in Landsdowne in October was arguably, the springboard to Leinster's magnificent form in the HEC. This time around I can see Munster scraping out a narrow victory. I'm not too sure how Leinster's backline and backrow will be functioning after an arguably frustrating 6N campaign and that, I believe may well be the difference between the two sides.

The many sub-matches here are simply mouthwatering, they've already been mentioned already so I won't delve into them further.

As an aside, I love the way the Leinster-Munster matches are scheduled, the week before the big European matches, the perfect tune up!

My prediction : Munster by less than 7.

thomond2006

PhatPiggins wrote: »

A Stringer/ROG/Wawrick 9/10/12 combo would be Sean O Brien's wet dream

Good point there, that is a case for starting Murray. Don't know if he's physically developed but he must be fairly defensively sound because he's a big guy.

Just checked, according to the Munster site he is 6'1" and 13st 3lb. 2 stone heavier than Stringer.

The backrow has a huge task in knocking O'Brien on his ass everytime he gets the ball.

pithater1

pithater1 wrote: »

I'm not too sure how this one is going to go, the return fixture in Landsdowne in October was arguably, the springboard to Leinster's magnificent form in the HEC. This time around I can see Munster scraping out a narrow victory. I'm not too sure how Leinster's backline and backrow will be functioning after an arguably frustrating 6N campaign and that, I believe may well be the difference between the two sides.

The many sub-matches here are simply mouthwatering, they've already been mentioned already so I won't delve into them further.

As an aside, I love the way the Leinster-Munster matches are scheduled, the week before the big European matches, the perfect tune up!

My prediction : Munster by less than 7.

I absolutely completely and totally disagree. One injury, one knock to the wrong person, and we could be fielding a botched backline or tight 5.

Couple of positions of extreme weakness on both sides. Leinster have no cover at 2 or 10. Nacewa would probably play 10 which would mean Fitz back at FB.

Couldn't actually think of a worse week to play this game!

They're never not intense.

P_1

Deleted User wrote: »

I absolutely completely and totally disagree. One injury, one knock to the wrong person, and we could be fielding a botched backline or tight 5.

Couple of positions of extreme weakness on both sides. Leinster have no cover at 2 or 10. Nacewa would probably play 10 which would mean Fitz back at FB.

Couldn't actually think of a worse week to play this game!

They're never not intense.

I'd be of the opinion that the intensity is just the perfect foil for preparing for the big match the week after, sure look where the cotton wool wrapping got us four years ago.

Injuries are a risk, but a risk worth taking, in my opinion.

P_1

Must add, cracking OP!

tolosenc

Interesting to point out as well is that over the last five meetings, the try count is 9-0 in Leinster's favour.

The Rooster

Deleted User wrote: »

Couple of positions of extreme weakness on both sides. Leinster have no cover at 2 or 10. Nacewa would probably play 10 which would mean Fitz back at FB.

Couldn't actually think of a worse week to play this game!

They're never not intense.

With Sexton being the only England starter to play for Leinster last week, is there a chance he'll get his rest this weekend?

If he plays, his schedule for 7 consecutive weeks will be:

1. Scotland sub
2. Scarlets start
3. Wales sub
4. England start
5. Dragons start
6. Munster start
7. Leicester start

totallegend

Deleted User wrote: »

I absolutely completely and totally disagree. One injury, one knock to the wrong person, and we could be fielding a botched backline or tight 5.

Couple of positions of extreme weakness on both sides. Leinster have no cover at 2 or 10. Nacewa would probably play 10 which would mean Fitz back at FB.

Couldn't actually think of a worse week to play this game!

They're never not intense.

You need a warm-up game to be at full intensity for the HC, and you could pick up a season-ending injury in any game, and given how it panned out for Leinster earlier this season (win vs Munster followed by bonus-point win v Racing) and last season (win in Thomond followed by QF win over Clermont), I think it's the right call.

In fact, at the start of last season, Leinster got a pretty facile 30-0 win over Munster, went out a week later and lost to London Irish, so I think both sides need a hard, tight game.

Quint2010

The Rooster wrote: »

With Sexton being the only England starter to play for Leinster last week, is there a chance he'll get his rest this weekend?

If he plays, his schedule for 7 consecutive weeks will be:

1. Scotland sub-10 minutes
2. Scarlets start
3. Wales sub-30 minutes
4. England start-70 minutes
5. Dragons start
6. Munster start
7. Leicester start

Sexton is really coming into form after the England match. He will definately play on sat and is the type of player who needs games. He is Leinsters most important player.

GerM

Deleted User wrote: »

I absolutely completely and totally disagree. One injury, one knock to the wrong person, and we could be fielding a botched backline or tight 5.

Couple of positions of extreme weakness on both sides. Leinster have no cover at 2 or 10. Nacewa would probably play 10 which would mean Fitz back at FB.

Couldn't actually think of a worse week to play this game!

They're never not intense.

Would have to disagree, Emmet. The good points outweigh the bad for me. There is a risk of injury but there is that risk in every game. I would think the risk of injury would be equally high if Leinster were playing an Italian or Welsh side who had nothing to play for but were fired up to put one over on a big team and Leinster had an eye on the following week in terms of expending themselves. The Dragons, for example, were extremely physical on Sunday and Leinster didn’t meet them with the same level of aggression. An injury was just as likely to come from going into that game half heartedly against a side who was extremely aggressive physically. With the Munster game it’s no holds barred and both sides go into it full blooded. As I was told by coaches as a kid, if you go into a tackle half committed and the other player goes full blooded you are the one that will get hurt.

From a positives perspective, it gets the team into the right frame of mind a week in advance. They’re not coming into it cold and I think they need a tough match to get things ticking over again after being apart for so long. Cobwebs are truly blown away. It also a good test for those coming back from injury to see if they can meet the required intensity and fitness required for HEC knock out stages. The likes of Shaggy need this game to get sharpness for the following week.

Judgement Day

Great OP and several others too - I hope we'll all be as amicable at full time. I will be down to the pub to watch this one but I'm far from looking forward to it. Heart says Munster but the head says Leinster could make it six in a row. Although if the Cardiff game was anything to go by Munster are just a few passes away from giving some team a serious whipping - please let it be Leinster! Let ROG bring the right boots with him and let Keith Earls get his well overdue reward. Munster by more than 7 points.



C'MON MUNSTER!

Jemo

After a long six nations campaign the team will need time to get back together and really work as a unit again. We don't have several games to do this gradually. Thankfully a match against your biggest rivals is the greatest way to get unity of purpose (look how Ireland upped their game for England for instance). The team gets into the big game mentality a week earlier and has top notch opposition to get rid of the rust. Injuries happen in all games.

http://rugbydump.blogspot.com/2010/05/jamie-heaslip-flattens-ronan-ogara.html

jamiedav2011

First post on boards lads!
Can't wait for this game. Six in the sticks may be on, but I can't see Munster wanting to lose this one!

Podge_irl

jamiedav2011 wrote: »

First post on boards lads!
Can't wait for this game. Six in the sticks may be on, but I can't see Munster wanting to lose this one!

Doubt they wanted to lose the previous five either.

pajunior

Can't wait for this. Before the 6 nations I would have predicted Leinster by 10 but now it is way to close to call. Leinster's backrow and centres should be able to steam roll Munster but Wally DOC Rog and Earls are in their best form in years while Fitz and Horgan could be weak links.

I'm hoping Leinster put in another brilliant defensive display and nip it by a score.

I will be watching the game in a room full of Munster men so either I'll be crying Sunday morning or have a black eye