Pride may come before Europe

There may be nothing tangible at stake, but when push comes to shove it's still Munster v Leinster. Hence, while the two camps have been giving the impression of smoking Hamlets for this latest instalment at Musgrave Park tonight (7.30) in readiness for next week's resumption of European action, come kick-off they'll stub out the cigars - and most likely on each other.

Leinster look set to start with the Shane Horgan-Brian O'Driscoll midfield ticket. Munster have delayed finalising their starting line-up and one senses they are not quite as "up" for it, but then again they could be pulling the wool over our eyes.

"Well, we haven't put a whole lot of emphasis on this game," commented Munster captain Mick Galwey yesterday. "We have put our main emphasis on the Newport game a week later. If we were to lose this game and win our final two pool games in the European Cup, we'd be happy with that."

That said, as Galwey also admitted, Munster-Leinster meetings are invariably competitive, even if there is only pride at stake. Theoretically, there was only the points at stake for the end-of-interpro meeting between the sides in early November, with Munster already assured of a third successive title and Leinster consigned to third place.

A big crowd saw Leinster take the game to Munster, and the latter fought back for an honourable draw in what both sets of players agreed was one of the high-octane clashes of the season.

With, most probably, a greater number of replacements being involved, tonight's meeting might not have such a climax. Even so, the nature of that game "speaks volumes for itself", said Galwey.

"We were going to receive the trophy afterwards and we didn't really want to do so after a defeat. That's the nature of Munster-Leinster games. Leinster haven't beaten us in a while and may be looking to put one over us. We're not really looking to put one over Leinster, but we don't want to lose either."

Interestingly, in Galwey's estimation the rivalry between the provinces used to be a good deal more bitter, but through increased contact in the professional era has become a "healthier" rivalry.

Leinster have not beaten Munster in five meetings, and Munster have a unbeaten home record, stretching 19 matches; both sequences extend to August 22nd, 1998, when Leinster beat Munster 24-18 at Dooradoyle.

In essence, though, with Europe on their minds, all that is secondary to a valuable run-out. Tonight's game affords Declan Kidney a chance to look at his midfield options in the absence of established Kiwi combination Mike Mullins (broken jaw) and Jason Holland (strained thigh muscle); both are also doubtful for next week pending return visits to specialists.

Those options, namely Killian Keane and John Kelly, have at least been increased by Jeremy Staunton's good form at centre for Garryowen during December, though both Keane and Kelly have been troubled by flu this week. As of yesterday, Kidney was ruling out Mullins, Holland, Mick O'Driscoll, Tom Tierney and Ian Murray, but hoped the other 25 squad members would be available.

Ulster and Connacht will play three 30-minute periods at Ravenhill tonight. The home side are wary of risking David Humphreys' ankle (though not a concern for next week's win-or-bust mission to Cardiff), but are buoyed by the expected return of Tyrone Howe after five weeks.

Invariably, a greater number of replacements than the norm will dull the edge a little, even at Musgrave Park. Even so, with the size of the crowd an influential factor, it will be interesting to see how competitively it pans out.