The Munster-Leinster rivalry that exists today is a far cry from that which existed when the four provinces first began playing rugby against each other back in the 1880s but the evolution of that relationship will pick up a gear again tomorrow.

DICK ADVOCAAT has admitted his surprise at how well Aiden McGeady had settled in at Spartak Moscow.

Welshman Nigel Owens has been appointed to referee the Leinster-Munster Magner’s League semi-final, following Brian O’Driscoll’s request that he be chosen.

Fittingly the two teams who finished in the top two positions in the AIB League Division Two table will contest next Saturday’s final at Lansdowne Road.