Leinster huff and puff to eventually subdue Munster in tetchy contest

Munster may have been rank underdogs more than is usually the case despite last year’s win in Croke Park, but they rose to the occasion and even took the game to Leinster by roaring into a 13-0 lead. Leinster’s heavier power game and quality prevailed with a dominant second period, but on a blowy night in Ballsbridge they had to huff and puff to eventually subdue their auld rivals.

There were a couple of unsavoury incidents as the Munster number eight Gavin Coombes claimed he had his testicles grabbed in the 38th minute, and though nothing was proved on immediate video review, that is sure to be investigated. Leo Cullen and the Munster defence coach, who formerly worked under the Leinster head coach, had an altercation at the full-time whistle.