Pride enough to fuel fierce rivals' battle

So much for the match that meant nothing. Not only does tonight's Interprovincial finale between Leinster and Munster (Donnybrook, 7.30 p.m., live on TG4) go ahead, but both have picked strong selections to boot. Besides, even if tossed a scotch egg on an airport runway in front of two men and a dog, these two provinces would probably go at each other hell for leather anyhow.

That enduring Leinster-Munster rivalry ensures that there probably wouldn't be more motivation if the title itself was on the line. It isn't of course, and even Leinster's scrap for second place with Ulster will probably be one for the statisticians.

Though second would ensure European Cup rugby next season, Leinster's rationale that third place (already guaranteed) would probably suffice seems sound. The Irish provinces seem sure to outrank the Scots and the Italians this season, which would secure a third place in the Cup next year.

The suspicion lurks that Leinster coach Matt Williams was left hanging out to dry when receiving scant support for his request to have the final round of interpros put back, and this has provided an added edge. Accordingly, after Munster had announced a slightly experimental side on Wednesday with new midfield and halfback combinations, but retained all bar the injured Mick Galwey in their 22, Williams responded yesterday by naming a full-strength selection save for the injured Brian O'Driscoll (bruised neck) and Reggie Corrigan (strained medial ligament).

All in all then, not quite a second-string run-out. "Well, I think there's a number of aspects to it," mused Williams yesterday. "But once it was confirmed that the game was on, obviously we had deep obligations to sponsors and as it was also on national television, it was only correct that we should honour those with the best possible selection." Indeed.

The game is given further import in that Munster are looking for a second consecutive grand slam, while extending their record number of consecutive interpro wins to 15, and with it a record five-in-a-row over Leinster, not to mention their 100th interpro win overall. Nor can it be said that, say, a Tom Tierney-Jeremy Staunton halfback combination will necessarily weaken their hand. These two talented players, like John O'Neill, Killian Keane and Marcus Horan, will be straining at the leash.

On paper it looks a toss-up. Leinster have almost acquired a Munsteresque level of confidence (perhaps not quite, though) and go into this game on the back of three successive European wins, whereas Munster have just returned from a wounding defeat in Bath. All the more reason therefore, to rejig the team.

Were Brian O'Driscoll there, Leinster would have a real chance. Even without him, they have the most potent weapon on the pitch in Denis Hickie, and some real pace out wide, as well as a pack who've looked every bit as strong, especially in the set-pieces. Munster have a proven record, and perhaps significantly, have kept a few aces on their bench. Come the last five or 10 minutes then, the game that means nothing may well seem like it means everything.