Donal Lenihan: Major talking points heading into Croke Park derby day

The setting in GAA headquarters on Jones Road, where so many players on both sides would have dreamed of performing as kids before rugby became a priority, adds a different dimension.

IN STEP: John Hodnett with Tom Ahern and teammates at Munster Rugby squad training at UL Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady

A game like no other

Just four weeks into the competitive season and Munster have already experienced a contrasting range of emotions across the opening rounds of URC action. Enjoying the home comforts of Thomond Park for the opening round of action, unusually in a provincial derby against Connacht, Munster fell over the line in a high scoring encounter.