Munster vs Leinster Predictions - Munster can get close against dominant rivals

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 27 Dec 2024

Simon Lewis 27 Dec 2024

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Leinster has won their last 3 games against Munster.
Munster's recent form sees them with 3 wins out of the last 4 matches.
Leinster is unbeaten in their last 10 matches.

Expired

Munster can get close at home to Leinster (Getty Images)

Munster vs Leinster Predictions

This is perhaps the biggest derby of the URC, but Leinster have dominated the fixture in recent years. Munster’s form has improved since their 26-12 loss to Leinster a couple of months ago. However, Leinster are a very strong side, and it would take quite the upset for the hosts to win.

Munster vs Leinster Predictions
Head to Head
Munster Form
Munster Injuries & Team News
Leinster Form
Leinster Injuries & Team News

Given their form, however, I am tipping Munster to get within nine points.

Munster have won 3 of their last 4 matches.
Leinster have won their last 10 matches.
Leinster have won their last 3 matches against Munster.

Head to Head

Leinster have won their last three matches against Munster. Last season they did the double on Munster and earlier this year Leinster beat Munster 26-12 at home.

Munster Form

Munster made a slow start to the URC season, but their form has improved over the last month to six weeks. They are currently placed sixth with four wins and four defeats in eight games.

Last Friday, Munster impressively beat Ulster 22-19 away from home. In the Champions Cup in the two weeks prior to that, Munster won 33-7 at home against Stade Francais before losing 16-14 at Castres.

While the game in France was lost, it is worth considering that Castres, at the time, had won their last nine games on home soil. So, to get within two points was an impressive feat.

Munster Injuries & Team News

Munster will not take any chances in this fixture. They will be desperate to hand Leinster their first defeat of the season.

Leinster Form

Leinster, as per usual, have started the URC season on fire, topping the table after eight matches. They have won all eight, picking up four-try bonus points in six of those fixtures.

With a six-point gap at the top of the table, Leinster will know from experience over the last few years, it doesn’t mean much. However, this is a massive derby for the table toppers, and they will want to get a ninth successive URC victory.

Last weekend, Leinster beat Connacht 20-12 at home. That victory came after two convincing wins in the Champions Cup at Bristol and at home to Clermont.

Leinster Injuries & Team News

With the Champions Cup looming early next year, Leinster are likely to rotate players around during this period. However, they will probably be at full strength for this derby.