Leinster will be looking to claim a fourth-successive Pro14 crown when they host Munster in the Pro14 final at the RDS Arena on Saturday.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Leinster v Munster
Saturday 27 March
19h00
RDS Arena
To Win Match (80 mins)
Leinster 37/100
Draw 22/1
Munster 23/10
Leo Cullen’s juggernaut continue to roll on after losing just two matches this season and topping Conference A, seven clear of next-best Ulster. Their insane depth means that even when the likes of Johnny Sexton, Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan and co don’t play, the youngsters in their place simply pick up where they left off.
The men from the capital have made this league their own over the course of the past four seasons but hold a distinct psychological advantage over Munster in particular.
The Red Army have lost their last five consecutive games against Leinster — three in Pro14 semi-finals. A win would be the province’s first championship since 2011; in that time, Leinster have claimed two European Cups, a European Challenge Cup and five Pro14 titles.
Ryan and Garry Ringrose are both unavailable for Leinster this week, while Johann van Graan is said to be weighing up the possibility of starting the injury-prone Joey Carbery at flyhalf here.
In CJ Stander’s final Pro14 game for his beloved club, the former Bulls man will be hellbent on finally delivering silverware for the team that has given him so much over the years and at which he has become a cult hero.
Verdict: Munster 23/10
Many feel the time is now for Munster, where something special has been brewing this season. Back the men from Limerick to break their duck against the three-time reigning champions and secure a mammoth upset win.
Written by Shaun Goosen.
