With Ireland’s worst Six Nations since 1999 now confined to the record books, thoughts quickly turn once again to the provincial sides and their respective fortunes in the Magners League. The race for the third Heineken Cup spot between Ulster and Connacht now appears more lucid as Michael Bradley’s side have failed to pick up points in recent weeks. The arrival of Matt Williams into the Ulster set-up appears to have galvanised his squad and they are now four points clear of their local rivals and crucially they also have a game in hand. At the other end of the table, Leinster have a strong grip around the trophy. Munster’s recent defeat away to Cardiff has given Michael Cheika’s team valuable breathing space and for the time being the title’s destiny rests firmly in their hands. 

This Friday Leinster entertain Glasgow Warriors at the RDS and all signs point to a comfortable home-win. Despite injuries to high-profile stars, such as Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy and Girvan Dempsey, the blues should have enough class to account for a less than convincing Glasgow side. Buoyed by their recent good form in the Six Nations, Robert Kearney, Luke Fitzgerald and Jamie Heaslip will be looking to seamlessly transfer their talents onto the provincial stage. However, a decision on whether or not this trio are reintroduced into the side so quickly has yet to be decided. The Magners League is currently entering the business stage of proceedings and having failed at the last hurdle over the past two seasons, Leinster will be keen to atone for those disappointments this time around. An eagerly awaited clash with Munster at the RDS on the 12th of April looms large and the blues must maintain their current form ahead of what could be a title deciding clash in Dublin.

On Saturday evening, Ulster make the long trip south to take on Munster at Musgrave Park. Matt Williams will relish the opportunity to renew rivalries with old foe Declan Kidney. Their head-to-heads during Williams’ reign with Leinster were always colourful affairs and this weekend’s game promises more of the same. The fixture has been sold-out for almost a month and the full-house can expect to be treated to a mouth-watering prospect. Munster will be keen to atone for their recent injury-time defeat away to the Cardiff Blues, while the visitors will be anxious to further cement their place in next season’s Heineken Cup.

This duo aside, chances are the coach will also look to rest other front-line players such as John Hayes, Marcus Horan, Donncha O’Callaghan and Ronan O’Gara. The recent Six Nations will have taxed this collection both mentally and physically and a well-needed break could be just the tonic to cure any lingering international hangover.

In their absence Kidney can still call on a wealth of talent and experience. Jerry Flannery came through a recent ‘A’ clash with Leinster and the Limerick man is now desperate to regain his match fitness. Both Mick O’Driscoll and Donncha Ryan will be keen to prove their worth to the squad ahead of next month’s Heineken Cup clash. While both Alan Quinlan and Anthony Foley realise that this weekend’s game with Ulster may be their last chance to fight it out for the final back-row place (providing both Wallace and Leamy regain full-fitness).

It’s a must-win game for both sides, but home advantage coupled with a strong starting line-up should give Munster the edge. Eleven points behind league leaders Leinster, albeit with a game in hand, the home side have little room for error. If Matt Williams’ side record their third win in a row then Munster’s Magners League aspirations will be shelved for a further twelve months at least.

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