October. The
month of the witching hour, ghouls, and the biggest Thriller since 1983:
Leinster V Munster.
Every
year the Aviva stands like a bubbling cauldron, releasing magical experiences
for all who are immersed inside. Since 2010 the Aviva has played host with
attendances averaging over 46,000, a prestigious number for an inter-pro, one
of which rivals that of a test game.
With
numbers aside, the anticipation and rivalry of the annual clash seems to have
simmered in recent years, so what has changed?
Not
the competitiveness for starters. The game itself will hopefully bring a flurry
of tries and tribulations, the annual meeting has been dominated by Leinster in
the last few seasons but with Munster devouring Ulster at home last week, it
would be prudent to think that this year would be in Leinster's favour.
Unfortunately
the crowd-pleaser that most wanted to see will not be happening. With Sexton a
no-show this evening, the much sought after dual with Carbery will have to be
postponed for another occasion. European rugby fixtures commence in less than a
week and the priority to rest certain players has become paramount. The iconic
picture of Sexton aggressively shouting in Ronan O' Gara's face has now been
eclipsed by the dream of European glory. Leinster have decided to change 11
players from their win over Connacht, resting players such as Furlong, Larmour
and Ringrose, something that would have been unheard of back in 2009 for this
particular fixture with Munster.
Leinster veteran Rob
Kearney hits a landmark tonight with his 200th cap for his province, with Luke
McGrath on the bench hopefully earning his centennial.
A
strong Munster side are locked and loaded with Stander and Beirne starting and
O' Mahoney at the helm. The try-scoring machine Dan Goggin who put two past a
deflated Ulster starts also, a dangerous man to have on the field, no doubt Leinster will be watching their
backs.
With
four wins out of five for Leinster and three out of five for Munster so far this season in the Pro14, the odds
seem to be in Leinster's favour but no matter how civil the relationship
between both provinces has become, the rivalry for bragging rights will always
come ahead of the game, Munster are due a win and Leinster know this, without a
doubt there will be fireworks aplenty tonight.
LEINSTER: Rob Kearney; Fergus McFadden, Rory O’Loughlin, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Ross Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park; Jack McGrath, James Tracy, Michael Bent; Devin Toner, James Ryan, Rhys Ruddock (C), Dan Leavy, Seán O’Brien.
Replacements: Seán Cronin, Cian Healy, Andrew Porter, Mick Kearney, Josh van der Flier, Luke McGrath, Noel Reid, Dave Kearney.
MUNSTER: Andrew Conway; Darren Sweetnam, Sammy Arnold, Dan Goggin, Keith Earls; Joey Carbery, Alby Mathewson; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O’Mahony (C), Tommy O’Donnell, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, James Cronin, Ciaran Parker, Billy Holland, Chris Cloete, Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Rory Scannell.
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU).
