'Everyone's in good spirits, in good shape': Munster set to unleash Ireland stars against Leinster

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

They may be about to play their fiercest rivals in front of a full house at Thomond Park this Saturday, with a chance to register a first league double in this fixture in 11 years but for Munster, this URC derby is being framed as just another game.

Assistant coach Alex Codling on Monday confirmed the sentiments of head coach Clayton McMillan, who suggested the Munster fanbase would not take kindly to him resting his Ireland internationals for this weekend’s Christmas visit of the defending URC champions. McMillan rested captain Tadhg Beirne and scrum-half Craig Casey for last Saturday’s bonus-point win at Ospreys while playing Jack Crowley and fellow internationals Tom Farrell and Tom Ahern.

All look likely to face Leinster, however, as Munster look to repeat their 31-14 victory at Croke Park on October 18.

“Yes, they are,” forwards coach Codling said of the internationals’ availability ahead of the Christmas Eve (Wednesday) team announcement. 

“Everyone's in good spirits, in good shape and looking forward to the game.

“Selection hasn't been finalised but as it stands everyone's available for the weekend, yes.” 

Thomond Park has long been a sell-out for this match despite Leinster having not lost in Limerick since a 26-17 home victory on December 29, 2018. The bonus-point win at Croke Park 10 weeks ago and the champions’ less than convincing form throughout this season has, however, given supporters greater expectations for a first league double since the 2014-15 campaign.

Codling attempted to pour a little cold water on those hopes outside the camp, though he did acknowledge feelings were running hotter within the province.

“I think it was a great day,” he said of the Dublin victory in Round 4, "but ultimately it was a long time ago. I don't think it's going to have a massive bearing on the game this weekend.

“I mean they've had five wins since, Leinster, and four of those have been bonus-point wins and they’ve scored over 30 points. We've got massive respect for them as a team both in terms of the quality they have and what they've done.

“For us it's another game. There's no more or less points on offer but obviously outside noise and expectation we also understand for the fans and everyone else it is a massive occasion and one obviously we're all looking forward to.” 

Hooker Niall Scannell is the only fresh injury concern for Munster having been removed after 30 minutes of their 26-10 victory over Ospreys in Bridgend last Saturday.

The 33-year-old is set for a scan on the neck injury he sustained at Brewery Field with Lee Barron replacing him and going on to score a try before half-time. Fellow hooker Diarmuid Barron is expected to be back in the selection mix having missed the trip to Wales after failing a Head Injury Assessment the previous weekend after finishing the Champions Cup tie with Gloucester.

The positive news from Munster's sixth URC win from the opening seven rounds was the returns to play following injuries for both wing Calvin Nash and lock Fineen Wycherley (hand) while in addition to Diarmuid Barron, there could be a return for centre Dan Kelly.

No update on the summer signing’s progress from a calf injury sustained against Gloucester on December 13 was given on Monday but Munster had last week estimated his return to play at seven to 14 days.