The URC encounter between Leinster and Munster at Croke Park this Saturday has seen an impressive 75,000 tickets sold, a testament to its importance in the rugby world, says sports commentator Gerry Thornley. Reflecting on the impressive sales, Munster coach Graham Rowntree admitted to feeling a surge of excitement. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is set to reap substantial financial benefits, echoing the financially successful semi-final between the same provinces at the same venue 15 years ago in the European Cup. Sports writer Seán Moran points out that this event initially revealed to the GAA the profit-making potential of such fixtures.
Sportsperson Gordon D’Arcy made note of Leinster’s strong line-up in their recent match against Benetton, indicating a tactical shift in the URC campaign. Expectations run high for a star-studded match this Saturday featuring significant player rivalries. The head-to-head play between Jack Crowley and Ciarán Frawley is anticipated to be a highlight.
In addition, Frawley appears to be the likely choice for outhalf for Leinster, a decision seen by Gerry as pivotal at the start of the season due to the intense competition for this position.
Regarding other rugby updates, Linley MacKenzie reported that Connacht is looking to incorporate several key players in their interpro vs. Ulster in Belfast. New outhalf Josh Ioane, following last Friday’s triumph over Scarlets, is fit for play after successfully completing HIA protocols.
On the international scene, Muireann Duffy offers insight from Eve Higgins in the build-up to Ireland’s final WXV 1 match against the United States this Friday. John O’Sullivan provides a preview of the finale of Emerging Ireland’s South African tour, where they’ll be facing the Cheetahs tonight.
In preparation for the Nations League match happening in Helsinki tomorrow between the Republic of Ireland and its opponent, James McDermott chooses to look on the bright side: Irish football isn’t in as bad a state as Finland’s. Before Finland managed to qualify for their first and only major championship, they had to make 33 attempts over a span of 82 years. Their prospects for a second appearance in the championship seems dim.
However, things aren’t exactly hunky-dory for Ireland either, with struggles in goal-scoring quite evident. Gavin Cummiskey provides an update on one individual who could turn things around – Troy Parrott, who is currently enjoying his spell at AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands. His performance has been commendable, with six goals under his belt already this season. Jack Taylor, a novice in the squad and a midfielder from Ipswich Town, is also keen on collecting his first cap in this phase.
The ever-busy Gordon Manning also sheds some light on Mullinavat’s ambition of breaking an 81-year spell and making it to their maiden Kilkenny senior hurling finale, whilst golf correspondent Philip Reid has just returned from New York to provide an update on the ‘one-year-till-kickoff’ countdown to the Ryder Cup.
For the television enthusiasts, Ireland’s emerging match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein tonight can be watched on IrishRugby+ (plus.irishrugby.ie) at 6pm. Also, enjoy the Women’s Champions League today, wherein Katie McCabe’s team Arsenal play away against Bayern Munich (DAZN, 5:45pm) and WSL frontrunners Manchester City host Barcelona (TNT 1, 8pm).