We gear up again for what will hopefully be another special game between Leinster and Munster
Leinster travel to Thomond Park tomorrow, December 27, for another Christmas-time hullabaloo with their Irish rivals.
The southern province are in the midst of another mid-season crisis, while the Blues are still stuck in their regular, pre-knockout third gear, but still managing to remain unbeaten.
With the teams announced, Leinster’s favourites tag is even more ironclad. A host of Irish internationals will take to the field, while we see the return of Tommy O’Brien and Jamie Osborne.
Munster, considering their injury woes, have named a relatively strong side, and we will get another glimpse into their future as Brian Gleeson and Ben O’Connor start on the bench.
With Jack Crowley rested, we have been denied an eagerly awaited showdown with international rival Sam Prendergast, and it is yet another example of this December match-up not featuring the absolute best from sides.
However, with the teams meeting frequently, both domestically and in Europe, down through the years, we have had more than our fair share of iconic moments.
Five iconic Leinster vs Munster moments
Jack Crowley’s drop goal
URC semi-final 2023. Leinster seem to have the game wrapped up as they attack the Munster 22 with just four minutes remaining, and a two-point lead.
This state of affairs changes rapidly and dramatically in the next minute – a knock-on by Tom Clarkson setting off a chain of events that will significantly alter the Graham Rowntree and Leo Cullen eras at their respective provinces.
Superb play from John Hodnett and Craig Casey give Munster field position, before Jack Crowley sends opposite number Harry Byrne into orbit with a monstrous carry.
It seems inevitable now, as they work their way down the pitch – the referee missing an obvious crossing in midfield – that Crowley will not only get his moment, but that he will take it with aplomb.
And that he did.
Jordan Larmour solo score
The stakes were not so high as our first moment, but it has to go down as the best try scored in this fixture, and is in the conversation for the best anyone has scored for any of the provinces.
Collecting the ball just outside his own 22, with the Munster chase defence set well, the fullback had no right to make it even past the half-way line, let alone touch down in front of an incredulous home crowd.
But three side steps later, and a barely believable ability to change direction at speed, Larmour was doing just that.
Ronan O’Gara’s try and celebration
Leinster came into this game with a swagger, the likes of which we had not seen from them in Europe, as they consistently flattered to deceive.
In their minds it was rightfully earned. They had just beaten Toulouse in a Heineken Cup quarter-final in their own back garden, racking up an unthinkable 41 points.
In Munster’s minds it was arrogance. They had been to multiple finals in Europe, they had a better understanding of what was at stake. Despite not having lifted the trophy, this was their year and they were going to ruin the party in Dublin.
It was a 30-6 massacre, and O’Gara’s 77th minute try sealed the win, before hopping over the advertising boards to share in the moment with the Munster faithful who had travelled in their droves.
Johnny Sexton’s scream
Three years later and, like it had been scripted, the roles were reversed in another Heinken Cup semi-final in Dublin.
This time holders Munster came in as favourites having out the Ospreys to the sword, while Leinster had eked past Harlequins 6-5.
And it was O’Gara’s turn to be on the wrong end of a humiliation, inflicted by a possessed Rocky Elsom, Brian O’Driscoll, and a young upstart sprung early from the bench after Felipe Contepomi’s injury.
It was the beginning of the most written and talked about player rivalry in Irish rugby’s history.
After words from O’Gara when he came on the field, Sexton took quick revenge, screaming in the veteran’s face after he tried in vain to stop Gordon D’Arcy’s first-half score.
The similarities between the two outspoken out-halves were already plain to see.
Keith Earls and Garry Ringrose announcing themselves
Two of the most hyped talents the country has produced, and two men who lived up to the hype and both had ‘I’m him’ moments against their provincial rivals.
Earls had already been capped for Ireland when Leinster travelled to Thomond Park in 2009, but it was highlights like his try below that saw him recognised more widely, and earned him a surprise spot on the 2009 Lions Tour to South Africa.
It is still a rare sight in Irish rugby to see an outside back with such guile and speed, but it was all on show from Earlsy with a remarkable finish over 15 years ago.
Ringrose’s clip from 2015 showed poise and pace from the outside centre, which had him frequently compared to Brian O’Driscoll.
While we may never see any Irish player reach the heights of BOD, Ringrose’s assist for Isa Nacewa shows why he has been such a mainstay for Leinster and Ireland.
