Match Preview: Munster v Leinster

Munster’s new Kiwi centre Alex Nankivell is anticipating a very special atmosphere as he looks ahead to his first derby against Leinster.

The 27-year-old has made a big impact since coming on board from the Chiefs of Waikato in October - and the fans have made a big impact on him.

“It’s unreal,” he said. “Stadiums in New Zealand are probably a bit bigger and people sit a bit further away.

“The supporters are real passionate here and to have an atmosphere like we did, when it wasn’t even full, for my first time playing at Thomond was pretty awesome.”

Reflecting on how he has settled in, the Christchurch-schooled midfielder said: “I had a bit of anxiety coming over, not really knowing too many people, but it’s been awesome. The lads have looked after me. It’s been no dramas at all. The boys have been great.”

Giving his take on the clash in Limerick, Leinster coach Leo Cullen commented: "It’s an exciting fixture and hopefully our guys will be up for the challenge.

“You've got to make sure you get to the emotional pitch.

“It will be a full house, a good atmosphere. The game and the environment, it’s a great occasion.”

Cullen’s team will head into the derby on the back of eight successive wins in all competitions, while Munster are coming off a challenging couple of weeks in the Champions Cup, drawing at home to Bayonne and losing down in Exeter.

Munster v Leinster

Thomond Park, Limerick – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 91 st league game)

AR 1: Peter Martin (IRFU) AR 2: Andrew Cole (IRFU)

TMO: Brian McNeice (IRFU)

Live on: RTÉ, Viaplay, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Munster: Simon Zebo, Calvin Nash, Antoine Frisch, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey, Dave Kilcoyne, Diarmuid Barron (CAPT), Oli Jager; Edwin Edogbo, Gavin Coombes, Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Jack O'Donoghue

Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Jeremy Loughman, Stephen Archer, Brian Gleeson, Alex Kendellen, Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler, Seán O'Brien

Leinster: Hugo Keenan, Jordan Larmour, Garry Ringrose (CAPT), Ciarán Frawley, Rob Russell, Harry Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park, Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Michael Ala’alatoa, Ross Molony, Joe McCarthy, Max Deegan, Scott Penny, Jack Conan

Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Ed Byrne, Thomas Clarkson, Jason Jenkins, Ryan Baird, Luke McGrath, Liam Turner, Will Connors