Leinster v Munster

This weekend sees a huge Irish derby in the Vodacom URC with Leinster Rugby and Munster Rugby locking horns in Dublin.

There’s sure to be a big turn-out at the Aviva Stadium for the clash between these two age-old arch rivals.

Ahead of the game, former Irish internationals Alan Quinlan and Ian Madigan, who played for Munster and Leinster respectively, have been giving their thoughts during a Vodacom URC Media Round Table.

They covered a lot of ground and discussed a wide range of topics.

Here’s what they had to say.

On Leinster selecting Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan at No 8:

Alan Quinlan: “Obviously they have some injuries there, with Caelan Doris and Jack Conan in particular.

“With Dan Sheehan’s ability to carry and do damage in the loose, he will probably enjoy having the chance to be able to do that.

“It’s a little bit of a left field selection, but with the athlete you have in him, he’s well capable of playing there.

“He’s such an outstanding athlete, it wouldn’t surprise me if we see him in the back line at some point.”

Ian Madigan: “What’s unique about Dan Sheehan is his athletic ability. If you could clone three, four or five of him and fit them into the XV, you would, because he would be your starting hooker, you’d probably have him in the back row somewhere and you might be able to play him at 12. Then you’d have a couple of him coming off the bench as impact subs. He’s just that athletically gifted.

“It will be a bit of a relief for him heading into the game not having to concern himself with where he’s throwing to at the lineouts. He will certainly enjoy picking the ball off the back of the scrum.

“His footballing ability, his awareness of space and his handling allow him to spend a lot of time in midfield or wide out.

“So, do I think it will be a success? Yes, I do.

“But do I think it will be a long term move for him? I don’t think so.”

On Joey Carbery getting the nod No 10 for Leinster for his first start of the season:

Ian Madigan: “I think it’s going to be quite an emotional game for him, having played for both clubs. He had a spell with Munster and he’s back with his home club now at Leinster. He will want to make a mark.

“From speaking to him, I know how ambitious he is and how he will want to be the first choice out half at Leinster and get himself back into the Irish set-up.

“There is no better way to do that than by playing really well in an inter-pro game. This is very much going to kick start his season.

“I wouldn’t be concerned about him not having enough match minutes. He is a quality player and I would expect him to be able to step up and get up to speed very quickly.”

On how they see the Leinster-Munster clash going:

Alan Quinlan: “It’s a massive game. It’s a different week when you play this match. The significance of the game is always there and that rivalry and history is always there.

“History tells us that Leinster have dominated the fixture in recent years. Those are the facts.

“I think Munster have won it once in 13 games.

“Leinster have all the internationals, they have the big representation for Ireland. That has to be a motivating factor for Munster.

“There also has to be a bit of belief in the Munster camp from going to Croke Park last year and getting a bonus point win. That was something that nobody expected. They caught Leinster who were a bit undercooked.

“Munster were outstanding. They were phenomenal with the intensity they brought. If they bring the same intensity this weekend, I think they are right in it.

“The positive for them so far this season is their set piece has been very solid. They are in decent shape.

“I think there’s going to be a fair bit of bite to it this weekend.

“Leo Cullen won’t want to experience what happened last season again, particularly in his last year. They will want a big reaction.

“At the same time, the gauntlet is there for Munster. If I was in their dressing room, I would be saying right lads, we have got to roll up our sleeves here, we have only got two players in the Ireland squad, we have got to prove a point here.

“So there are a load of sub-plots here. It could ignite. There could be carnage in Dublin. Hopefully there is!

“On paper, you would think it’s Leinster and they are rightly favourites. There’s probably a bit of fear in me that they will try and bring a bit of revenge after last season.

“Leinster are a quality side and will probably win the game.”

Ian Madigan: “I played in this fixture 12 times for Leinster and it was the highlight of my time at the club.

“It was about getting yourself mentally ready for all-out war.

“It’s going to be close to a full house at the Aviva.

“Munster are going to have to go deep. That’s the key in these interpros, you’ve got to physically match the opposition. They did that in this fixture last year. I thought it was the best physical performance they put out for the entire season.

“It was probably the biggest highlight of the year because it reignited that rivalry. As a spectacle and as a contest, it was amazing.

“This weekend is another big opportunity for Munster.

“I don’t think there’s much expectation about them and that is very dangerous because any time you write them off, they always seem to step up.

“If they can keep the gain-line and get quick ruck ball, they will present opportunities to the outside backs.

“But this is a fixture that Leo Cullen loves. He absolutely savours every interpro, but in particular Leinster v Munster.

“Losing last year in Croke Park would have left a deep scar and you can be guaranteed he and Jacques Nienaber are lighting a fire under this Leinster team this week.

“Leo has picked a very strong team and I would expect them to be able to get on top, but it’s going to be a hell of a battle.”

On Vodacom URC teams’ success in the opening round of Europe:

Ian Madigan: “It’s a really interesting point when you look at how well the Vodacom URC teams did, winning six of their eight games, versus how the Premiership did.

“You then dive deeper and look at the style of play of those competitions and what the teams are facing from week to week.

“For me, in the Premiership there is a lot of similarity between the teams. While it has been a good spectacle so far this season, it doesn’t necessarily prepare the Premiership teams for when they move into Europe and they are playing against different styles in the French teams, the South African teams, the Irish, the Scottish, the Italians, the Welsh.

“Whereas for the Vodacom URC teams, each week you are coming up against very different opposition, you are playing in very different conditions and I think that prepares the Vodacom URC better than the Premiership for the step up to European rugby. So it was no surprise to me to see those teams doing particularly well in Round One.”

Alan Quinlan: “I think the Vodacom URC has got stronger and stronger over the last number of years with the South African teams in. They have been a brilliant addition. They have added a competitiveness.

“The Vodacom URC teams are stacked with internationals right across the board.

“I just think the competitiveness in the last couple of years has brought the standard way higher, with the quality and intensity that’s there. Every game is important.

“The teams hit the ground running in Europe last weekend with six wins which was brilliant to see.”