Leinster look to have edge in big interprovincial battle at Munster

Premier Sports from 2pm Saturday

Leinster were the last side to beat Munster at home, 15 matches and just over a year ago, and they are taken to find a way to prevail again at Thomond Park when the huge provincial rivals engage in eagerly-anticipated battle in Limerick once again (Premier Sports 2 & eir sport 1, 5.15pm).

Last Saturday Leinster were 17 points down to Connacht with ten minutes left but surged to victory, highlighting exactly why they are the Pro14 champions and kings of Europe.

Coach Leo Cullen has selected his fit international big guns for this fixture, including world player of the year Johnny Sexton, who was rested against the Galway gang. But whoever he selects, the team focus on the challenge and trust their systems with respect to how the match is panning out.

The backs are always ready to dazzle if gaps appear but it was the forwards, in the shape of Sean Cronin, Dan Leavy and Andrew Porter, who provided the late tries against Connacht. They did so in game one of the campaign too, when edging Cardiff Blues 33-32 at the Arms Park after also trailing deep into the final quarter.

Hard-earned, low-scoring wins at Connacht, and at Bath in the Champions Cup, have been achieved when the departments have combined for crunch tries.

Both Leinster defeats this season, at Scarlets and Toulouse, have been by fewer than three points and arguably because of refereeing decisions that on another day night have seen a different interpretation.

Roared on as ever by the Red Army, Munster overhauled Conference A leaders Glasgow late on in their only previous home game of truly comparable intensity and quality this season.

And boss Johan van Graan also brings back his stars who were given a breather before Christmas for the narrow, somewhat unfortunate loss at Ulster after a bruising Champions Cup clash at Castres.

However, Munster lost October’s Aviva meeting 30-22 and all three of last season’s clashes by less than 11 points and the value bet is that they fall just short once more after a compelling contest.

Edinburgh beat Glasgow 23-7 last Saturday but the Warriors should exact revenge at Scotstoun (Premier Sports 1, 3pm) and it would be no surprise if there is clear water between the sides.

Glasgow responded to a one-point loss in the capital last season with a 17-0 success at Scotstoun and in this league campaign they have won all five home matches by nine points or more.

For all their improvements Edinburgh have lost all six league away games including at struggling Zebre and Dragons and two of last weekend’s tries were interceptions.

Scarlets’ injury problems mean a watching brief is best in their home derby with Cardiff (Premier Sports 1, 5.15pm).

Recommendations
Leinster to win by one to 12 points
1pt 21-10 Betfair
Glasgow -7
2pts 10-11 general

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