Munster v Leinster: Reds head to Croke Park in good form but with it all to prove

Munster travel to Croke Park on Saturday looking to extend their 100% URC record against old foes Leinster, although in reality they will be going in as underdogs against a side loaded with returning Lions.

The Clayton McMillan era has started positively with three consecutive victories, even if the performances have not been perfect, with the maul and lineout both wobbling.

In truth, Munster were ‘haunted’ to win their last two games against Cardiff and Edinburgh, but it is a nice change to be winning ugly for a change. Lucky generals, and all that.

McMillan utilised 35 different players in the three wins. To win every game while giving so many players gametime has to be viewed as a huge positive, even if the displays have not been ultra-convincing.

The new faces have settled in well. Michael Milne and Lee Barron are not completely new to the club, thanks to the pair finishing out last season at the province on loan. Offaly prop Milne, in particular, has looked the part, with him grabbing a crucial brace last week against Edinburgh. 

Munster now look well stocked at loose head for the coming campaign.

Centre Dan Kelly has shown up well in his cameos to date, while Munster knew what they were getting when reacquiring old boy JJ Hanrahan, with him looking assured at outhalf, even if he failed to bring his kicking boots to Cork last weekend.

The back row has not really fired yet this season, with the injuries to John Hodnett and Alex Kendellen meaning they lack a natural openside. The talented Ruadhan Quinn played in the number sevent shirt at Ireland U20 level, but he has yet to shine in the role at senior level.

COLLISION

To take the Leinster scalp you would expect the Munster back row to have a huge say, as they will have to win the big collisions and quieten what is likely to be the Irish starting back row for the Autumn Internationals in a few weeks.

On paper the likes of Gavin Coombes and Brian Gleeson can overpower their direct opponents, but Munster packs have come up short in this respect in recent years against Leinster, so we need to see it happening with our own two eyes.

The return of Edwin Edogbo after nearly two years out can only help in the power stakes, and hopefully we will soon be saying the same about Roman Salanoa, who was a replacement for Nenagh Ormonde last Saturday against Cork Con in the AIL. It is crazy to think that was his first game of rugby since the URC final victory of 2023 in Cape Town.

Munster have their usual share of injuries heading into this tie, but the squad should still be strong enough to be extremely competitive in this fixture.