SO here it is. The biggest game of the domestic rugby calendar. What was once a match watched only by a man and his dog is now the most eagerly anticipated rugby game in the Northern Hemisphere. Munster have been on the wrong end of the result for the last four outings. The last two away trips ending in humiliating defeat and semi final knock out.
The rivalry might be the same, but this Saturday night, (kick off 7.30pm on TG4) the venue is different. The new Aviva Stadium will play host to the biggest game in the Magners League.
Ahead of the game, fans and journalists will try to analyse all that can be analysed. From Doug Howlett’s hair length to the pressure on Ronan O Gara and Johnny Sexton. The so called “final trial” for the autumn international Irish squad is fast becoming more than just a game between 30 plus players. It is becoming, in these recessionary dark times, the light at the end of a mundane tunnel. For a win against the auld enemy makes the period before the next encounter all the more easy to bear. Just ask any Munster fan with Leinster friends or cousins.
This game this weekend will see a mixed line up of sides. With Heineken Cup to come next weekend, Mc Gahan and Schimdt will be looking to win, but also to win without injury losses.
Munster coach McGahan named a 29 man squad this week. A very strong one at that. Munster captain Denis Leamy speaking about the sides respective form entering the game commented; “I don’t believe that what we’ve done or what they’ve done will have much influence on Saturday. It’s whatever each of us bring to the party will decide this one. They’ve quality players right across the field, they’ve home advantage, and they seem happy enough to move away from the RDS where they’ve such a good record”.
Munster are still without players such as O’Connell, Earls, Flannery, Jones, Dowling and Fogarty. Some unfamiliar faces will play some role. Sean Henry for example might make another appearance this week, while Danny Barnes and Scott Deasy seem to be ready to perform when requested to do so. The strength and depth of both squads will be tested more than ever over the coming weeks, starting this Saturday with what is sure to be a bruising affair.
With Leinster currently struggling under their new coach, another loss for the Blue Magic on Saturday would start alarm bells ringing in the Pale. Munster need to settle the score this weekend. It is over 80 years since Leinster did a five in a row. In this modern era, that would be unthinkable.
Verdict: Munster to win.
