Leinster v Munster Build-up Tread

Is there not now a 10 day window to stop players being able to play the following week? Could be wrong but almost positive that is now the case so don’t think Nash or the rest of the players that failed their HIAs will make it.

Munster hit by big injury blows as four players ruled out of Leinster clash https://the42.ie/6062875

Murray, Nash, Fekitoa, Synman definitely out, POM and Barron major doubts

Not really buying the 'free hit' narrative for Munster that I've heard being pushed by a few in the media today.

How successful their season is seen as being is decided by this game.

Losing wouldn't make it a failure but a loss to a rotated Leinster team with at least one eye on the following weekend, especially by the margin the bookies think, would hardly be seen as a successful season.

There is a decent amount of pressure on that team.

I very much doubt the team's goals at the start of the season were to finish 5th in the URC, get very heavily beaten in the URC semi final, and to get very heavily beaten in the round of 16 in the CC.

Munster hit a low ebb and they should take some positives from fighting back and improving over the season but missing their overall season goals wouldn't/shouldn't be looked at as a success in good team cultures.

Maybe for fans injuries take off the pressure but I would see it the opposite for players. Conceptually, sure it could give freedom, but much more likely is players having to take on more responsibilities with front liners out and knowing they have less support which only adds pressure, especially if things aren't going your way early in a knockout scenario.

I think it’s fair to say Leinster have considerably better depth.

I think an issue for Munster (and this will almost always be ongoing) is that you really need either a) a squad with significant depth of talent or b) a very good injury profile (which is increasingly difficult). The rationale in particular for the former is that players will inevitably move on and you need new players ready and available to step straight into the jersey and perform to the same level if standards are to be maintained.

In the next 15 months, it's conceivable that POM, Murray, Archer and John Ryan all walk away. There might be people ready to step in to their jerseys but the overall 23 (and it's very much a 23 man game now) will weaken without significant signings or younger players reaching another level.

Consistent success is almost always a matter of trying to improve a team whilst fighting the clock for certain players. In 18 months, Tadhg Beirne will be almost 34, RG Snyman is potentially gone elsewhere. It's a tough situation. I'd advocate for a couple more NIQ signings for Munster (and Ulster) to plug some gaps if it can be worked into the finances.

This weekend will largely depend on what sort of team Leinster field and their mindset for the game ahead of the following weekend. But the Munster bench will be inexperienced at best and, more likely, a stand out weak area.

If POM and Barron are ruled out, I imagine the bench will be something along the lines of Buckley, Wycherley, Salanoa, Edogbo, JOD, Kendellan, Cronin, Scannell. That bench can come on and dig in for the team to hold out Leinster but if they're coming into a game and behind, I don't see them as having the ability to change things.