Jacques Nienaber providing Leinster with confrontational license ahead of Munster clash

As most of the country tucked into their Christmas dinner, Munster and Leinster players opted for the stricter higher carbohydrate and lower fat approach to their celebrations as part of their match day preparations.

Munster host Leinster at Thomond Park this evening with the game kicking off at 7.35pm.

Interestingly, Munster have lost just once at home since this time last year, defeated by Glasgow in March.

Leinster's only loss this season has also come in a high scoring defeat against Glasgow. A win would see Leinster knock Glasgow out of the top spot in the URC table.

After two successful opening rounds in the Investec Champions Cup, Leinster are brimming with confidence, with evidence of change to their defensive structures which will make them a hugely difficult prospect in Thomond Park.

Munster had opposing fortunes in Europe, a disappointing and rudderless draw against Bayonne, followed by an away loss to Exeter Chiefs, after controlling large parts of the game. Munster need to win, and win well if they want to climb the table back towards third place and jump Ulster, Bulls and Benetton.

Jacques Nienaber has already hit the ground running in terms of making Leinster a much more blunt object in defence. He is beginning to mould this team into championship winners, starting with their defence.

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The blunting of their mechanism is the final layer really. Leinster’s defensive system has always worked well and been well thought through. However, Nienaber, through skill and the