URC 24/25 Season Munster v Leinster Friday 27th Dec 7:35 Kick-off [Build-up / Match Thread] PS2&TG4

On paper the Leinster starting 15 is stronger. That doesn't really mean much in an away derby though. Especially with how we play to grind down opponents rather than blow them away like in the past.

We've played well this season primarily through excellent defence and applying a pressure game at the ruck that ekes out penalties to put us in scoring positions. If Munster don't start well we could rack up early possession and territory. We need our lineout to actually function for this game. Against Connacht and Clermont we had enough territory to kill the game in the first half, but constant errors in the 22 meant games were far closer on the scoreboard than they should have been.

Our attacking game has regressed from it's peak under Lancaster and we're less likely to score sweeping trys from phase play. That's where Munster can hurt us. They were solid defensively against Ulster and if we can't win those initial collisions we probably won't score though open play.

The benches are much of a muchness. Both have two major impact players so if the game is still close when subs come on it could be an issue for Leinster.

I think the bookies had West Britain beating the turnips by 11.

Sounds about right looking at the squads but I'd settle for Leinster winning the lineout battle and seeing some strike plays and consistent handling.

it’s a pity we’re not getting to see Crowley v Prendergast but beyond that they’re two decent starting teams. Should be a good match.

This may well end up been ridiculed but I have a sense Munster will win tonight.

Diarmuid Barron has pulled out of the Munster squad. Eoghan Clarke moves up to the 23 as replacement hooker.

Premier Sports opening with Mack Hansen's comments.

Zebo & Ferris saying he has a point. I'd be more concerned with the fact that Mack first touches the ball on 23 mins.

AWful pass from henshaw

Leinster penalty at the scrum there. Reset. 🙄

Tune in having not been keeping up with sports news the last few days hoping to see the Crowley Prendergast match up only to find out Crowley is under “player management”. Sure the IRFU know best. It does the game no good having the best players play against each other. Much better to watch Billy Burns kick the ball dead

It’s possible to talk about both the poor performance of a player and of the “erratic” intervention of the tmo.

Still time to walk it back.

so you both believe Crowley can’t play two big matches. 7 days apart and Munster should not be targeting a win against their biggest rival

Great bit of play by Sam there but Jimmy screwed up the clear out.