Leinster look impenetrable - but they can get better

Leinster's 15-minute blitz all but ended an eagerly anticipated clash with fierce rivals Munster in a memorable fixture at Croke Park on Saturday night.

Despite Munster showcasing some small weakness in their opponent's defence, Leinster did enough in 40 minutes to win with plenty left in the tank.

Jacques Nienaber’s defence was tested and Munster exposed some areas that they clearly previewed in the hard-pressing, South African-driven defence.

There were multiple times when Graham Rowntree's side stood and passed deep to beat the onrushing defence. The style of defence that Leinster use brings the tackle line aggressively closer to the attacking team.

Therefore, Munster decided to take little ground forward before passing through their forward pod to Jack Crowley, who varied his attack between going towards the tackle line and passing even deeper to a distributing back who was further from Leinster’s aggressive midfield.

It wasn’t always effective because of the home side’s defensive actions. Nevertheless, it showed what could be done going forward.

Munster also finally found space and the calmness to finish from an unlikely kicking source in Gavin Coombes.

It’s well established at this stage that a proactive and accurate kicking game can unlock the Leinster defence.

Ulster, through the boot of now Munster man Billy Burns, were able to pick them apart last year. Munster didn’t get a lot of joy from the kicking game aside from the final score of the game through Mike Haley (below).

Tom Farrell, a shrewd and underrated signing for Munster, was able to find a gap in the international midfield of Leinster. Farrell is strong in the contact, but subtle in his handling and decision making. He was arguably the visitors' best player, and