The lets make alooo(o)f regret it in his first week Munster v Leinster Build up Thread

That time of year.

Handsome divils.

You can see the pashun in the way he so elegantly handles their brown Thomas bag (probably a gift to somebody less fortunate than themselves. Leinster fans always think of others).

Good team even if it's not as strong as I would have liked. Munster going as strong as possible. Will be a good examination of where some of our squad are at.

15. Hugo Keenan (47)

14. Jordan Larmour (78)

13. Garry Ringrose (110) CAPTAIN

12. Jamie Osborne (25)

11. James Lowe (68)

10. Ross Byrne (139)

9. Nick McCarthy (52)

1. Andrew Porter (99)

2. Dan Sheehan (37)

3. Cian Healy (255)

4. Ryan Baird (44)

5. Joe McCarthy (15)

6. Rhys Ruddock (214)

7. Scott Penny (45)

8. Max Deegan (89)

16. John McKee (9)

17. Michael Milne (20)

18. Vakhtang Abdaladze (22)

19. Ross Molony (150)

20. Jack Conan (123)

21. Luke McGrath (184)

22. Harry Byrne (38)

23. Liam Turner (10)

Munster's pack is more experienced and probably stronger overall. But if Leinster can get parity I think they could really do some damage in midfield. Don't think that Munster 10/12/13 axis is particularly good.

I think Munster should win. Anything is possible though. I'm very surprised to see Healy start at tight head. I think he's well past hour long starts. His mobility and power have been absent for a while.

Beirne and Kleyn are the 1st choice and I look forward to seeing how McCarthy fares. Nice opportunity off the bench for some lads too.

Very interested in seeing how Leinsters lineout functions. The driving maul has become a real weapon this season and has won a lot of penalties and scored many trys off the back of it. But that has been with Ryan and Jenkins at the heart of it, neither of whom will play on Monday.

We've also use VDF a lot as a passing option from the back of the lineout. It works because he's a dual carrying and passing threat. Having our main lineout options missing is a big test of how our squad is coming along.

On paper the Munster starting 15 is stronger. But I've a lot of faith in our younger players and coaching staff to make this work.

I hope Max Deegan plays well. Based on the recent November Internationals, he has moved ahead of Coombes in the pecking order and is breathing down Conan's neck. A good performance against Munster could see him leapfrog the latter in the provincial stakes.

He has performed very well as an impact sub in recent appearance and I hope he continues that good form from a starting berth. He's one of the best ball players in Leinsters squad and seems to have upped his physicality as well. If the front 5 gives a decent platform he could do some damage.

Should be less than 6 scores in it.

Lineout was also the first area that jumped out as one where Munster can really bring it to Leinster, either side of the ball. Can see the kicking game seeking touch more often, to attack the lineout, rather than staying infield and risking the counter attacks. Although with Murray starting I'm also expecting a good deal of aerial pressure <checks notes> wherever Keenan isn't.

Leinster likely have the nudge at the scrum initially, but they really need their starters to outlast Munster's. Same logic applies for the breakdown, I can see that area tilt strongly in Munster's favour, once the starting front rows go off, and if Kendellen can offer some threat there alongside Beirne and POM for any sustained period of time.

Ruddock will decide the game for me. Leinster are not short on carriers, but he will likely be their most vital component for the set piece, breakdown and overall sh*thousery.

I read McCarthy….Big game also for Joe..he stated against Munster last season.

Important game for Baird if he wants to get back in the conversation at Lock.

Who is Kiran McDonald and why is he benching ahead of Edogbo?