Munster get boost in bid to leapfrog Stormers
SPOTLIGHT: There could be a change at the top of the United Rugby Championship standings this weekend.
With the South African teams getting the week off, the headline fixture will see Munster at home against Leinster.
Munster will enter the match three points behind the Stormers, who are the league leaders after an unbeaten season so far.
The Limerick side received a boost ahead of the showdown with Leo Cullen’s men with the news that all their Irish internationals are fit and available for the clash.
Captain Tadhg Beirne and scrumhalf Craig Casey were not involved in last weekend’s win over the Ospreys. However, they are set to be available this week.
Meanwhile, Calvin Nash (shoulder) and Fineen Wycherley (hand) have both made successful returns from injury in Bridgend. Hooker Diarmuid Barron and centre Dan Kelly are also back.
The last time the two sides met was in October when Munster recorded a 31-14 win at Croke Park.
“I think it was a great day, but ultimately it was a long time ago,” said Munster assistant coach Alex Codling.
“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 and four of those have been bonus point wins and they scored over 30 points.
“So, we’ve got massive respect for them as a team both in terms of the quality they have and what they’ve done.”
Andrew Porter, Will Connors and Cormac Foley have all returned to training for Leinster and are available for selection.
Charlie Tector has come through the graduated return to play protocols and is also available this week.
Jack Conan is due to be further assessed this week, with a final decision to be made later in the week.
There are no further updates on Hugo Keenan, James Culhane, Jamie Osborne, Ryan Baird, Jordan Larmour, Garry Ringrose, RG Snyman.
Source: the42.ie, Munster & Leinster
