Munster’s Coughlan fired up for breakdown battle

James Coughlan has promised Munster will not lack aggression at the breakdown as they aim to avenge Leinster for their RaboDirect Pro12 defeat at the Aviva Stadium last November.

Leinster will arrive at Thomond Park this Saturday buoyed by the return from injury and Six Nations duty of renowned ruck exponents Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy in midfield as well as opposing back rowers Sean O’Brien, Shane Jennings and Jamie Heaslip.

Coughlan, though, is determined not to be playing second fiddle again. “What’s always a massive issue is the breakdown. Leinster have an Irish international back row and it’s not just their back row, you look at Darce and Drico, they’re doing it week in, week out, stealing ball.