Leinster v Munster: Rowntree facing huge test of early progress

Huge potential for growth in both gameplan and mindset with a victory over the old enemy tonight

MASTERPLAN: Munster head coach Graham Rowntree, left, and forwards coach Andi Kyriacou during a Munster rugby squad training session at the University of Limerick in Limerick this week. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Out of the frying pan and into the fire, Munster got their season back on track with an encouraging performance to defeat heavyweight opposition on home turf a week ago but this evening’s visit to Leinster at Aviva Stadium represents a different challenge entirely.

For all the relief, satisfaction and enjoyment that last Saturday’s bonus-point victory over the Bulls at Thomond Park brought to a squad, management and set of supporters who had endured an ugly start to their campaign, this weekend’s BKT United Rugby Championship derby encounter brings a swift reality check of Munster’s early progress under new head coach Graham Rowntree.