Munster brace for Leinster backlash as rivalry heats up again

The anticipation levels have rarely been higher for a meeting of these two since the blue half of the rivalry assumed prominence.

TOUGH CHALLENGE: Munster's Jeremy Loughman is expecting a tough challenge from Leinster. Pic:  ©INPHO/James Crombie

We’ve spent too many weeks nursing Ireland’s World Cup hangover. There have been days on end rueing the paradise lost in Paris and a succession of players have obliged by vocalising the hurt as they returned to their provincial line-ups.

Most, if not all, took the opportunity to get away again. Los Angeles and New York were two particularly popular destinations for those eager to distance themselves from rugby for a bit, but the Aviva Stadium is the only place to be tonight.