No more messing about. Euphemistically, it’s time to poop or get off the potty.
Leinster versus Munster at the Aviva Stadium.
The two sides once sold out Croke Park and traded almighty blows before O’Driscoll intercepted O’Gara and sealed the deal.
Saturday’s match will not feature the same star-dust but it should fill the blood, sweat, tears and dust-up quota handily enough.
Leinster lock Mick Kearney is unfortunate to miss out on the Guinness PRO12 fixture but he anticipates returning to help his side to the last four and beyond. Given last weekend’s narrow loss to Connacht, Kearney tells us Saturday’s game is the biggest of the season:
“Huge week. Absolutely massive week. After losing last time, we have to go out and make a statement.
“Munster won 47-0 [against Zebre] last week. They have a huge amount of attacking threats. Defensively, we have to be on our game. In attack, if we don’t play with a certain pace and tempo they will be able to shut us down quite easily.”
There was a lot of chatter, and afters, as Leinster faltered in Galway. Kearney has witnessed a squad closing to boiling point all week. He says:
“100%. You want to make a statement early doors. You want to impose yourself on the game.
“There will be no shouting or roaring in the changing room before the game. The lads don’t need any extra motivation. Munster at home is a huge game and, to be honest, it’s a must-win for us as well.”
There’s a job to be done.
Only then can the slagging start.
*Mick Kearney was talking to SportsJOE as part of his awareness drive for ATAXIA Ireland and this summer’s Cycle Ataxia event. More info can be found @cycleataxia and here.
