Munster hoping to stop Leinster claiming third consecutive Interprovincial title

Munster have won their three games to date and hoping for back-to-back wins over Leinster. 

INTERPRO: Munster head into the final of the Vodafone Women's Interprovincial Championship final on Saturday against Leinster at Energia Park (4.30pm) off the back of three wins. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Munster head into the final of the Vodafone Women's Interprovincial Championship final on Saturday against Leinster at Energia Park (4.30pm) off the back of three wins.

The southern province defeated Connacht in the opening round with a resounding victory at Virgin Media Park (44-5). They then hit the road for their next two rounds, claiming a business-like win over Leinster in Energia Park (33-22) before pulling away in the second half against Ulster at Affidea Stadium last weekend. (38-17).

Stephanie Nunan picked up a knee injury in that clash at the weekend and she may struggle to be fit for the final at the weekend. Munster head coach Matt Brown said that Nunan is one of a few players he is awaiting injury reports on their availability.

“We have a few niggles from the weekend, we're actually just waiting on a few injury reports," he said. "Hopefully nothing major. I think Stephanie might struggle, she got a whack on the knee and we're waiting on a couple of other girls, just on precautionary scans."

However, Brown is confident that anyone that may need to step into the fold on Saturday will do so seamlessly, as they have blooded a number of players throughout the competition.

“I'll be confident with the squad and the girls that have come in that, you know should we have to mix and match around it that we've blooded so many girls that it shouldn't be too much disruption if somebody has to come in for anyone who doesn't make it through tonight, basically.” 

Munster are looking to claim back the title which they last won in 2022 but will go up against a Leinster side looking to claim three titles in a row. Having already defeated Leinster in the round stages, Brown says they will not be changing much in their approach but he will be looking for more accuracy around their exits and set pieces.

“Tactically I think we just have to probably play a bit smarter and be extremely accurate. We just don't want to give Leinster ins to the game because they can pretty much score from anywhere," he says.

“We'd want to be really tidy around our exits and make sure our set pieces are up to scratch, which is kind of improving. Although we have our wobbles like any team.

“We don't want to change too much but it's more nullifying the big threats from them, which is the strike runners but also just imposing our game and controlling the ball for the majority if we can.” 

Brown will be hoping his side can put together a strong first half performance as to date they have struggled to get a foothold in the early stages of the three clashes.

“Our first half in every game has been poor enough. So if we could get a good performance on Saturday for 80, we'll be laughing.

“We're still not performing where we want to be and that's actually scary because there could be so good,” he added.

Captain Maeve Óg O'Leary and Chloe Pearse have been key players in the Munster side and have impressed Brown with their commitment. 

"The two of them (Chloe Pierce and Meabh Óg O’Leary) are pretty impressive characters anyway, on and off the pitch. They're all about Munster and I know they've all had lots of other things going on, you know, back in the day, whether it's the Ireland or, you know, even their own jobs. And just the way they jumped into this and the commitment that these girls give as well on the back of full-time jobs, you know, it never stops to humble me anyway."