Rónan Kelleher of Leinster offloads a pass as he is tackled by Gavin Coombes of Munster last year
Leinster assistant coach Robin McBryde says their first interpo clash against Munster will focus their minds despite already easing through a three-game unbeaten start to the campaign.
“This will be another test, no disrespect to our first three opponents but this focuses the mind. 74,000 tickets sold.
“All the fit internationals available for selection. It’s a big one Saturday. It’s kick-off proper. A lot of players have been given their chances in pre-season and we now need to get the internationals up to speed, which we have.
“So if you’re not at your best currently, your opportunities are going to be few and far between. Munster and their threats focus the mind so we need all our players at their best.
“And if they then give the coaches a reason they have to select you, that is what you strive for. We want everyone to be driving each other in order to be successful.
“And we haven’t done that for three years. So it’s about time we upped our game a little bit.
“In most derbies, the form book is out the window. You can turn the season around by having a great win against your local rivals. We had Paul Rouse in today talking about the history.
“It’s a great stage, it has a great history but the lesson is not to get bogged down in that. We have to play a game, 15 v 15. We have to be at our best.
“Form is gone, it’s not about playing pretty stuff, a bit more blood and thunder and we know there is plenty of blood and thunder around Munster. It’s about winning and we know we need to be at our best.”
Leinster hope Ronán Kelleher can shrug off an ankle injury to play.
“Ronán is still being assessed do it is not ideal but it is nice that we have Gus McCarthy arriving back to be with us. We have got to cover all the bases.
“Gus has had a great start to the season, he has impressed when given an opportunity and on the back of two strong performances in South Africa as well. There’s not much not to like.
“He is still developing and has a lot of growth in him yet. He is one to watch.”
