Munster and Ulster are both showing impressive performance ahead of their interprovincial derby, which is anticipated to be a competitive and engaging encounter in the United Rugby Championship at Thomond Park. The encounter promises to be highly charged, with significant personal rivalries adding an extra edge.
With a straight path to the URC final ahead, Munster has a clear objective: continue their winning streak over their forthcoming three games. If they accomplish this, the honour of hosting the final will also be theirs, a significant advantage as they bid to retain their title. Achieving victory against Ulster will secure Munster as the top seed going into the tournament’s knockout phase, no convoluted mathematical calculation needed.
Despite being without their top choice centre pair, Alex Nankivell and Antoine Frisch due to injuries, Munster has demonstrated their ability to cope with unexpected challenges in rugby. Mike Prendergast, the backs coach, has faith in the team’s depth and player versatility, illustrated by Rory Scannell’s commendable performance against Edinburgh and Seán O’Brien’s adaptable role.
Announcing six amendments and a positional change to the team that outplayed Edinburgh, Graham Rowntree has promoted Simon Zebo, O’Brien, Scannell, Stephen Archer, RG Snyman and Peter O’Mahony to the starting team. Jack O’Donoghue will take on the number eight position whilst John Ryan will provide backup at loosehead, a shift from his usual tighthead prop role after an eight-year hiatus.
Taking into account Ulster’s latest triumph at the RDS and their season double against Leinster, Munster is prepared for a tough fight. Ulster, as Prendergast noted, having been victorious in four out of five interpros this season and defeated Munster at Thomond Park last year, will enter the derby with heightened confidence.
“Their victory in the last four consecutive matches can be attributed to the arrival of a new coach, eliciting a notable reaction from the team. Like us, they’re in a favourable position of confidence which would require a significant effort to shake. As it stands, we’re also in an advantageous position,” observes Richie Murphy, the head coach of Ulster. He will be fielding the same team that emerged victorious against Leinster in Dublin, a match that demonstrated both admirable tenacity and remarkable attacking prowess.
Previously, there were instances where Ulster might have given in when they missed out on early try scoring chances. However, this time, they were resilient and managed to secure a win by enforcing a penalty towards the end. Today’s match against Munster will test this tenacity further. Murphy has managed to imprint his unique style not only regarding the team’s performance, but also by strategically positioning players like Ethan McIlroy and Cormac Izuchukwu.
McIlroy’s footwork, pacing, and balance make him aptly suited for the fullback role rather than being restricted to the wing, yet he needs to better his aerial and kicking skills. Jacob Stockdale is an equally remarkable asset to Ulster, deemed one of the best wings in Ireland. His showdown with Calvin Nash promises to be riveting.
Jack Crowley, well known for his evolving game that includes a wide range of kicks and punts, will likely use the opportunity to cross-kick and capitalise on the height variance between Shane Daly and Michael Lowry. Across from him will be Billy Burns, who is set to assume his position next season. This will be an interesting diversion. John Cooney, who earned the man-of-the-match title against Leinster, wishes for a similar influential performance in Limerick against the in-form Craig Casey.
“As always, the forwards are central to winning matches,” says the PR team. The scrum and lineout are crucial elements, but the clash between the backrows promises to be the most gripping part of this encounter.
The transition of Izuchukwu to the position of a blindside flanker has led to remarkable outcomes. Alex Kendellen and David McCann, two leading opensides, stand out among the most promising young backrows, not to mention John Hodnett who is one of the reserves on the Munster bench with a six-two division.
For Ulster to ensure they secure a place in the top eight and the advantages that come with it, they require two points from the upcoming match. A proactive approach in their strategy and performance would be the best course of action, although it may not guarantee victory it makes a bold declaration of intent.
Munster’s lineup includes S Zebo, C Nash, S O’Brien, R Scannell and S Daly; J Crowley, C Casey; J Loughman, N Scannell, S Archer; RG Snyman, T Beirne (captain); P O’Mahony, A Kendellen and J O’Donoghue. Substitutes are E Clarke, J Ryan, O Jager, T Ahern, G Coombes, C Murray, J Carbery and J Hodnett.
Ulster will feature a squad comprised of E McIlroy; M Lowry, W Addison, S McCloskey and J Stockdale; B Burns, J Cooney; E O’Sullivan, R Herring, T O’Toole; A O’Connor (captain), K Treadwell; C Izuchukwu, D McCann and N Timoney. Reserves are T Stewart, A Warwick, S Wilson, H Sheridan, Matty Rea, N Doak, S Moore and J Postlethwaite.
The referee for the match is F Murphy from the IRFU.