Upbeat Munster look forward to Leinster clash with full deck

Munster have not done the double over Leinster in the league since the 2014-15 season.

Tadhg Berine and Craig Casey were rested for Munster's victory over Ospreys but could face Leinster on Saturday. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

The sold-out signs at Thomond Park for this Saturday’s URC derby with arch enemies Leinster suggests otherwise, but the Munster mood music heading towards this annual Christmas dust-up with the neighbours is all about it being “just another game”.

Despite not having beaten Leinster in Limerick since December 29, 2018, expectations among supporters have reached a height in recent weeks following their team’s convincing 31-14 victory in the first meeting of the rival provinces at Croke Park on October 18. A full house this Saturday confirms the optimism as Clayton McMillan’s men attempt to land a first league double on the old enemy since 2014-15 while back-to-back bonus-point victories against both Gloucester and Ospreys have helped to quieten doubts after Munster’s vulnerabilities had been brutally exposed by both the Stormers and Bath in the two games prior to those.