Leinster vs Munster | Guinness PRO14 Final 2021

FINAL LEINSTER V MUNSTER
So much will be at stake when the
two Irish rivals meet at the RDS
on Saturday - silverware as well as
domestic bragging rights.
Leinster want an eighth PRO14 crown
and a fourth in succession while
Munster are seeking their first in a
decade after reaching the final for the
first time in four years.
Three successive semi-final defeats to
Leinster have hurt Munster, who know
another loss will create unwanted
history from their perspective in a
fixture which dates back to 1879.
Five consecutive wins is the most
managed by either side since the Irish
inter-provincial championship began
in 1946, yet Leinster find themselves
within 80 minutes of a sixth straight
success.
“I don’t think anyone in our squad will
be thinking about that,” McGrath said
when suggested to him that Leinster
are on the verge of creating Irish
rugby history.
“They’re always difficult games
because the players know each other
so well.
“We might have won those games
but they’re always close with usually a
point here or there.
“
IT’S GREAT
TO WIN
THESE
GAMES
BECAUSE
THERE’S AN
INCREDIBLE
RIVALRY
THERE
GOING
THROUGH
THE YEARS
“It was no different when we played
them a couple of months ago and we
came back to win it.”
Munster took a 10-point lead at
Thomond Park back in January when
Tadhg Beirne crossed for an early try
and JJ Hanrahan kicked five points.
Jonny Sexton reduced the deficit with
two penalties before Jordan Larmour’s
late converted score broke Munster
hearts.
“It was another close game and we
just got it over the line,” McGrath said.
27|03|21 RDS ARENA | DUBLIN 17