THE strategy and tactics devised by two Irish coaches will be put to the test against the influence of two foreign coaches when the first series of matches in the Interprovincial Championship, a series sponsored by Guinness, takes place this afternoon.

Munster coach Jerry Holland and his Leinster counterpart Ciaran Callan, have both guided their provinces, Munster and Leinster respectively, to grand slam triumphs in the series - Holland two years ago and Callan last season, when Leinster ended a long period without the title.

Connacht and Ulster have turned outwards as it were, for their coaching expertise with Tony Russ, a man who has enjoyed success when he was coach to the Leicester club, is now in charge of Ulster and New Zealander Warren Gatland is at the helm in Connacht.

It will be Callan versus Russ when Leinster open the defence of their title against Ulster at Ravenhill this afternoon, while Holland's Munster meet Gatland's Connacht at Temple Hill. This will be the first time for a senior interprovincial to be played at the Cork Constitution ground, which has been brought into service as the surface at Musgrave Park is not ready after renovation work at the ground.

The interprovincials have graced the Irish rugby scene for over 120 years, but this season the series is unlike any previously played. The radically altered rugby scene is reflected in the fact that the provinces cannot call on their players who are with English first division clubs.

The inevitable consequences are that there are a host of players new to the series. The point is illustrated by the fact that no fewer than eight of the Leinster team will be playing in the Interprovincial series for the first time. Only six internationals will be on the field at Ravenhill, with both sides including three. The Leinster trio are centre Kurt McQuilkin, scrum half Alain Rolland and prop Henry Hurley. The Ulster internationals are centres Maurice Field and Mark McCall and flanker Denis McBride. So some big names missing but the endeavour will scarcely be any the less for that.

Having lost nine successive matches to Ulster between 1984 and 1992, Leinster ended the barren spell in 1993 with a 25-0 win at Donnybrook. The following season they went to Ravenhill and became he first side to beat Ulster on their home ground for over a decade and last season Leinster overwhelmed Ulster 31-3 at Donnybrook to win the title. So the balance has tilted back in Leinster's favour and this after=noon they go in pursuit of a fourth successive victory.

Only five of the Leinster side that faced Ulster 12 months ago play this afternoon, Ulster include seven of the team that lost a year ago. Only three survive in the pack, prop Richard Mackey, and flankers Stuart Duncan and McBride. The Ulster three quarter line of James Topping, the international centres Maurice Field and Mark McCall and left wing Jan Cunningham all played in the corresponding match last season when McCall was outside half. That is useful experience but the Leinster pack looks to have the greater ball winning potential and if they deliver on it, it could pave the way to victory. The Leinster tight five looks stronger than the opposition and that could prove very important and Steve Jameson, Greg Duffy and number eight Kevin Spicer could also give Leinster a crucial advantage in the line out against Gary Longwell, Charlie Simpson and Steve McKinty.

The Ulster back row of Duncan, McKinty and McBride is, however, a useful looking unit and would exert an influence if Ulster win good possession. They will certainly, try to put pressure on Leinster half backs, Rolland and young Richard Governey. There is plenty of pace on the Leinster wings, with David Coleman and Denis Hickie and experience in the centre in McQuilkin and Martin Ridge.

In the belief that Leinster will win enough possession to give them opportunity, I take Leinster to make it four in a row. But Ulster at home are very difficult to beat, with just that one loss in the series to Leinster two years ago in a period of well over a decade. Additionally, they have a very accomplished kicker in outside half Stuart Laing, so the concession of penalties could prove costly for Leinster.

Connacht's last win over Munster was achieved in 1986 and they make the journey to Temple Hill believing that they have a side capable of ending that barren spell.

The preparation under Warren Gatland has been very good and we feel we have a side capable of winning," said Connacht chairman Billy Glynn. "We have some very good young players in the side and a good element of experience as well."

While Connacht include six players who will be making their debuts for the province in the interprovincial series, five of that sextet have represented other provinces. The exception is scrum half Conor McGuinness, the Ireland under 21 international. There is plenty of experience in the Connacht back line, with Mick Devine and Dermot Finnegan on the wings and new recruits Alan Reddan and Nicky Barry in the centre. McGuinness partnered by Eric Elwood and full back Brian Carey is a very good attacking player.

The withdrawals of Dominic Crotty and Killian Keane on Thursday night forced Munster to amend their back line. Sean McCahill, may feel more comfortable at full back than on the wing, while Aidan O'Halloran, who takes over at outside half from Keane, is an experienced player in a vital position.

McCahill is one of four internationals in the Munster side - the other three are the Shannon players Mick Galwey, Eddie Halvey and Anthony Foley in the pack.

That Munster pack looks a stronger unit than Connacht's eight and should provide the means to keep Connacht waiting a little while longer for that victory over Munster.

This morning at Woodleigh Park the Connacht A side takes on the Munster Development team, while prior to the interprovincial at Temple hill, the Constitution under 20 team will meet the Connacht under 21 side. Constitution include three of last season's Ireland schools squad in their team, John Fogarty, Ronan O'Donoan and Rory Collins.

Provincial senior league ties in Ulster, Leinster and Munster represent the club competitive element this weekend.