Top four the only concern for Munster

No bitterness, no revenge, not even provincial pride. Leinster may be the hosts in Dublin this Saturday but no further motivation than Guinness Pro12 points is needed for Munster, as far as Anthony Foley is concerned.

With the scramble for Champions Cup qualification and Pro12 play-off places the top of both sides’ agendas with just four games to go, this weekend’s Aviva Stadium derby between second and fourth in the league is perhaps the most high-stakes encounter between the provinces outside of their many knockout duels down the years.

So as head coach Foley sees it, with Munster currently in fourth, the final play-off berth, five points adrift of Scarlets in third, and only one ahead of Ulster and Glasgow, the usual reference points are incidental.