The "Munster can't possibly lose this" Leinster v Munster build up thread

The problem isn't that it's a home run, the problem is that it should be a home run but probably won't be.

I'd actually give that Leinster team a decent shot

Off the top of my head Munster are missing Kilcoyne, Archer, Snyman, Beirne, O'Mahony, Coombes, de Allende and Zebo.

I would argue Kilcoyne and Archer being absent actually strengthens the Munster XXIII though, and O'Mahony must find it difficult to believe Munster can actually win this fixture with Leinster having the wood over them so much lately - relatively comfortable wins in Thormand Park, etc. I'd say he's completely demoralised at this point, so it might be better for Munster to have the likes of Kendellen in there to bring a bit of freshness and vigour.

Fair play to aloooof for getting into the spirit of things.

All the other Munster posters obviously just think the win is in the bag and can't be bothered. They're as arrogant as their players.

First time seeing a match thread where its mostly the wind up merchants who we’ve all blocked . Is there anyone going to give a prediction ?

Looking at the experience in both squads, it's actually not miles off.

Province/Club caps, it's Munster around 2300 v Leinster around 1500 total (if Wiki is up to date).

International caps it's even closer, around 340 v 310.

A passing glance may have you thinking, "Munster might lose to Leinster's A team, lolz", while in reality, Leinster's experience and quality in depth is exactly where you'd expect it, given their catchment area.

I think it will be Munster 24 : 13 Leinster.

POM, Beirne, De-Allende, Coombes (Can anyone remember why he's not playing?) Zebo, Archer, Kilcoyne, Hodnett, Cloete, Snyman.....

Yeah it's the first choice Munster vs Leinster here

I think he got injured by his own player

Snyman would be nice to have. Maybe he'll be back for the final

He can come on when Ahern gets tired

good thing you arrived just in time to raise the level of the discourse

Nice to see Larmour at FB. First time since…Saracens 2020?

Murphy at Lock and Baird at 6 is odd to me

as is Murray over Casey. Maybe Palpatine is still HC after all.

Larmour has been quite good this season. But, he's got a lot of ground to make up to be in contention for the rwc. His high ball fielding remains his weakness, otherwise he'd probably be a starter or thereabouts.

Today's tilt should be a Munster victory. The front row for Leinster will struggle due to Cronin having so little match time and Clarkson being low on minutes too. The 2nd row for Munster is a bigger unit and should retain their own line out ball while being disruptive to Leinster's line out. I think McCarthy and Murphy will put in a shift and front up. But it's tough to see Leinster getting on top in the forwards battle.

Munster should focus on what they're good at and attack the breakdown and maul when close to Leinsters line. Leinster will put up a good fight and will push Munster for about 60 minutes. But Munster should win with a cushion. I'm really looking forward to seeing Ahern play and McCarthy for Leinster. I hope Foley plays well and can start pushing on for next season.

It's disappointing that Casey didn't get the start. He's certainly earned it and it won't be long until he is starting.