In-form Munster bidding to move into pole position in interpros
It will be a special day for Courtney Canning who is set to lead the province out at his home ground.
His leadership qualities came to the fore in Portlaoise last weekend with Munster producing a very strong and powerful second-half display to defeat their eastern rivals.
The pack impressed with a powerful display and must replicate that effort against an Ulster side which defeated Connacht last weekend.
Mike Cronin is a livewire around the park with his fellow Castleisland man Kieran Downey adynamic number Eight.
Dave Foley will be aiming to put himself about at the breakdown and also secure quality line-out possession for his side.
It should be an entertaining game that could turn into a high try-scoring feast, with the Northerners also aiming to play on the front-foot.
The winners today will be favourites to claim the championship after the final round of games with Munster to play Connacht and Ulster facing Leinster.
Meanwhile, the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate final is fixed for tomorrow with Waterpark facing Nenagh Ormond in Clonmel.
In Rathcooney, Mitchelstown and Cobh Pirates battle for the Kelly Cup.
Dean O’Brien (Newcastle West); Warren Kelly (St. Senan’s), Shane Moloney (Thurles), Kieran Merrigan (Clanwilliam), Dan Horgan (Muskerry): John Lillis (Thurles), Nicky Irwin (Thurles); Pa Ryan (St. Senan’s), Mike Cronin (Castleisland), Colm Skeehan (Thurles); Dave Foley (Newcastle West), Rory O’Donnell (St. Mary’s); Courtney Canning (Clonakilty capt, Aidan Weir (Old Christians), Kieran Downey (Castleisland).
Darragh Fitzgerald (St. Mary’s), Darren Collins (Muskerry), PJ O’Connor (Charleville), Brendan Childs (Galbally), Ian Fitzgerald (St. Senan’s), Sean Herlihy (Newcastle West), Aidan Dwyer (Thurles), Brian Collins (St. Senan’s).
