Donal Lenihan: The only certainty when Munster face Leinster - It will be full-on

Johann van Graan has led Munster into battle against Leinster eight times since his arrival from South Africa but has experienced the sweet taste of victory only once

Leinster’s Johnny Sexton wins a turnover from Munster’s Damian de Allende in the PRO14 semi-final last September. Picture: Brendan Moran

Munster and Leinster meet this evening for the third time since a welcome return to action in August from the first lockdown. Against all odds, given the players had no game time since last March, the quality on offer that evening at the Aviva Stadium was stunning. To add to the excitement, JJ Hanrahan had a touchline conversion at the death to draw the game but come up just short.

For Munster supporters, the sheer joy of being able to watch live rugby again was tempered after only seven minutes by the sight of giant Springbok signing RG Snyman punching the ground in frustration. Dropped from a height while competing in the line out, he didn’t require the mandatory MRI scan to confirm a serious knee injury.