Match thread Mexicans v Wildlings (Leinster v Ulster) Kick off 5.30pm 1/4/23

So the infamous (roundly disliked) round of last 16 is upon us. A fully sold out Aviva awaits the two teams later today. Form can tend to take a back seat in knockout rugby. Never more so than in an inter pro knock out game. Last time the two sides faced off in the Aviva in a knockout game, it was supposed to be forgone conclusion. Ulster turned up, showed up and had different plans. We may see the same again this time. Maybe Ross might miss that kick, Stockdale might hold on to the ball. Who knows? 

The manner of Ulsters collapse in the RDS in December, will still be in many fans minds. It will most certainly be in the teams. They will most definitely want to lay down a marker. Another humbling defeat could be psychologically disastrous for Ulster. It could also herald the end of McFarlands time with the province. 

Ulster have looked sharper lately than after that defeat and the following slump. Leinster have been severely disrupted by the 6N Grand Slam. Can Ulster capitalize on that hangover?

Leinster like to play fast and open rugby, with quick ball. Ulster love to slow it down and make the breakdown a mess. The weather will help Ulster more than Leinster. Ulster will hope to kick for territory and get their maul going. Leinster will try keep the ball alive as much as possible. 

In the end, the players not playing may have as much influence as those on the field. Ulster will miss Moore and Henderson. While Leinster will definitely miss Ringrose and Doris. 

The game will be shown live on BT Sport 4. It is also being shown on RTE 2.

Leinster Rugby

15. Hugo Keenan (51)

14. Jordan Larmour (86)

13. Jimmy O’Brien (66)

12. Robbie Henshaw (73)

11. James Lowe (69)

10. Ross Byrne (143)

9. Jamison Gibson-Park (122)

1. Andrew Porter (103)

2. Dan Sheehan (41)

3. Tadhg Furlong (129)

4. Ross Molony (158)

5. James Ryan (69) CAPTAIN

6. Ryan Baird (48)

7. Josh van der Flier (124)

8. Jack Conan (127)

16. John McKee (15)

17. Cian Healy (259)

18. Michael Ala’alatoa (42)

19. Jason Jenkins (12)

20. Scott Penny (53)

21. Luke McGrath (190)

22. Harry Byrne (46)

23. Ciarán Frawley (62)

Ulster Rugby

(15-9) Michael Lowry, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, Nathan Doak;

(1-8) Rory Sutherland, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor (Captain), Kieran Treadwell, Dave McCann, Nick Timoney, Duane Vermeulen.

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Eric O’Sullivan, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Harry Sheridan, Marcus Rea, John Cooney, Stewart Moore, Ben Moxham

Score prediction Leinster 32 Ulster 20