Irish provinces' mid-season check-up

We're halfway through the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup regular season and it's time to check up on the health of the provinces as they enjoy a week off.

LEINSTER

Where are they?

Leinster are top of the URC standings after round nine. Leo Cullen's men have lost two games so far, those being the opening match away to Glasgow when they travelled without any of Ireland’s World Cup squad, and last Monday’s home loss to Ulster.

Bolstered by the impact of new senior coach Jacques Nienaber, they also top Pool 4 of the Champions Cup after a famous win at La Rochelle, and a home victory over Sale.

Standout performers: Tommy O’Brien impressed prior to his injury, while Joe McCarthy (above) recent form has been a big plus for Leinster, and Ireland. Ciarán Frawley showed he can be relied on on the big stage.

Squad watch: Compared to the rest of the provinces, Leinster are able to report a relatively clean bill of health. Charlie Ngatai (calf), Cormac Foley (shoulder), Ross Byrne (arm) and Jamie Osborne (shoulder) are currently sidelined.

By the numbers - Top of the URC charts in metres: 3298.

What’s next? Rounds three and four take in an Aviva Stadium clash with Stade Francais (nought from two) and a trip to Leicester.

MUNSTER

Where are they?

The reigning champions sit tenth in the URC table with four wins, four defeats and a draw to their name. Graham Rowntree’s squad has been decimated by injuries. Their last win came at the start of December at home to Glasgow.

With just three points, two from a draw with Bayonne and one from defeat to Exeter, Munster are in fifth in Pool 3, six points behind leaders Northampton.

Standout performers: Tom Ahern (above), after moving to the back row, has stood out, while Edwin Edogbo, now