A big Irish derby is expected this weekend in BKT URC with Leinster Rugby and Munster Dublin Rugby Trumpets.
There is sure to be a huge turnout at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night for the clash between these two eternal rivals.
Ahead of the game, former Ireland internationals Alan Quinlan and Ian Madigan, who played for Munster and Leinster respectively, gave their thoughts during a media call for the URC.
They covered a lot of topics and talked about a wide range of topics.
Here’s what they had to say.
On the Leinster selection Ireland whore Dan Sheehan at number 8:
Alan Quinlan: “Obviously they have some injuries there, especially Caelan Doris and Jack Conan.
“With Dan Sheehan’s ability to carry and do damage on the loose, he will likely relish the opportunity to do so.
“It’s a little bit of a left-field pick, but with the athlete you have in him, he’s capable of playing there.
“He’s such an outstanding athlete, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him in the back line at some point.”
Ian Madigan: “What’s unique about Dan Sheehan is his athleticism. If you could clone three, four or five of him and put them in the XV, you would, because he’d be your starting whore, you’d probably have him somewhere in the back row and maybe play him at 12. Then you’d have a couple of them coming off the bench that would just impact Helet as a gift.
“It will be a bit of a relief for him to go into the game without having to worry about where he’s going to throw in on the line. He’ll certainly enjoy picking up the ball from the back of the scrum.”
“His football ability, his spatial awareness and his handling allow him to spend a lot of time in the middle of the pitch or out of the pitch.
“So do I think it’s going to be a success? Yes, I do.
“But do I think it’s going to be a long-term move for him? I don’t think so.”
On Joey Carbery getting No.10 for Leinster on his first start of the season:
Ian Madigan: “I think it will be quite an emotional game for him, having played for both clubs. He had a spell with Munster and now he’s back at his parent club in Leinster. He’ll want to make his mark.”
“From speaking to him, I know how ambitious he is and how he will want to be first-choice at fly-half for Leinster and get back into the Irish set-up.
“There’s no better way to do that than to play really well in an inter-professional game. This will go a long way to jump-start his season.
“I wouldn’t worry if he doesn’t get enough minutes. He’s a quality player and I would expect him to be able to step up and get up to speed very quickly.”
On how they see the Leinster-Munster clash:
Alan Quinlan: “This is a big game. It’s the second week you play this game. The significance of the game is always there, and the rivalry and the history is always there.
“History tells us that Leinster have dominated the match in recent years. Those are the facts.
“I think Munster have won once in 13 games.
“Leinster have all the internationals, they have a big Ireland squad. That has to be a motivating factor for Munster.
“There’s also got to be a bit of belief in the Munster camp from going to Croke Park last year and getting the bonus point. That was something that nobody expected. They caught Leinster who were a bit undercooked. That’s something that nobody expected.”
“Munster were outstanding. They were phenomenal with the intensity they brought. If they bring the same intensity this weekend, I think they’re right.”
“The positive for them this season is that their set has been very solid. They are in decent form.
“I think there will be a lot of buzz about that this weekend.
“Leo Cullen will not want to experience what happened last season again, especially in his final year. He will want a big reaction.”
“At the same time, the gauntlet is up for Munster. If I was in their dressing room, I’d say real lads, we’ve got to roll up our sleeves here, we’ve only got two players in the Ireland squad, we’ve got a point to prove here.
“So there’s a lot of sub-plots here. It could catch fire. There could be carnage in Dublin. Let’s hope there is!
“On paper, you’d think it’s Leinster and they’re rightly the favourites. I’ve probably got a bit of a fear in me that they’ll try to get revenge after last season. That’s what happened.”
“Leinster are a quality side and are likely to win.”
Ian Madigan: “I played in this match 12 times for Leinster and it was the highlight of my time at the club.
“It was about mentally preparing yourself for an all-out war.
“It will be close to a full house in Avava.
“Munster will have to go deep. That’s the key in these interpros, you have to match the opposition physically. They did that in this match last year. I thought it was the best physical performance they’ve put in all season.
“It was probably the biggest highlight of the year because it reignited that rivalry. As a spectacle and as a competition, it was incredible.”
“This weekend is another big opportunity for Munster.
“I don’t think there’s a lot of expectation on them, and that’s very dangerous because every time you write them off, they always seem to step up.
“If they can keep the winning line and get a quick rack ball, they’re going to create opportunities for the outside linebackers.
“But this is a game that Leo Cullen loves. He absolutely enjoys every interplay, especially Leinster v Munster.
“Last year’s defeat in Croke Park would have left a deep scar and you can be guaranteed that he and Jacques Nienaber will light a fire under this Leinster team this week.
“Leo has picked a very strong team and I would expect them to be able to come out on top, but it will be a hell of a battle.”
About the success of the URC teams in the first round of Europe:
Ian Madigan: “It’s a really interesting thing when you look at how well the URC teams have done, winning six of their eight games, against the Premiership.
“Then you dive deeper and look at the style of play in those competitions and what teams face week in and week out.
“For me in the Premiership there are a lot of similarities between the teams. Although it’s been a good show so far this season, it doesn’t necessarily prepare the Premiership teams to move to Europe and they play against different styles in the French teams, the South African teams, the Irish, the Scottish, the Italians, the Welsh.
“Given that for the URC teams you’re up against very different opponents every week, you’re playing in very different conditions and I think that prepares the URC better than the Premiership to step up to European rugby. So it was no surprise to see those teams doing particularly well in the first round.”
Alan Quinlan: “I think the URC has gotten stronger and stronger over the last few years with the South African teams. They’ve been a brilliant addition. They’ve added competitiveness.
“The URC teams are full of internationals all over the field.
“I just think the competitiveness over the last few years has raised the standard to a higher level, with the quality and intensity that’s there. Every game is important.”
“The teams went into Europe last weekend with six wins which was great to see.”
